The island of La Réunion, which lies in the Indian Ocean, is currently reeling from the impacts of Cyclone Garance, downgraded to red alert status as it rages across the territory. Wind speeds have touched 234 km/h, causing significant power outages affecting over 180,000 people, with about 82,000 without access to drinking water.
On February 28, 2025, La Réunion was placed under the red alert at noon local time, urging residents to remain indoors until the cyclone had completely passed. Authorities had declared on their social media channels the seriousness of the situation, reitering the need for safety until the cyclone’s worst impacts had abated.
Cyclone Garance, which remains categorized as a tropical cyclone, had begun to weaken but still poses significant threats. It recorded extreme winds measured at 234 km/h at Gros-Piton Sainte-Rose and 214 km/h at Roland Garros International Airport. The island witnessed torrential rain, with some areas reporting up to 376 mm within six hours – including 186 mm of rainfall occurring within just one hour.
The situation evoked memories of Cyclone Belal from January 2024, which nearly brushed past the island, resulting in four fatalities and damages estimated at 100 million euros. The strong winds and rain have worked havoc on La Réunion, as it braces for the cyclone's impact, which was anticipated to reach the northern part of the island by early morning on February 28, 2025.
Cyclone Garance intensified its path over the Indian Ocean and was heading directly toward La Réunion early on February 27. By 12 PM local time, the cyclone had made its presence felt, moving southward at approximately 7 km/h with wind speeds reaching 165 km/h and gusts nearing 230 km/h near its eye. Residents were urged to stay updated on the cyclone’s progression, as meteorologists confirmed uncertainties around its exact tracking path could result in major differences across the island.
On February 28 at around 10 AM, La Réunion’s prefect, Patrice Latron, announced the maximum alert status, identifying wind speeds potentially exceeding 200 km/h as extremely dangerous. Defining the violet alert as the highest level of alert, all residents were instructed to remain indoors. Latron wished residents "bon courage zot tout!" as he emphasized the importance of taking heed of safety recommendations.
Céline Jauffret, director of Météo-France, highlighted the cyclone’s unrelenting threat, advising the population to be extremely cautious. The violent conditions were expected to persist throughout the day, and authorities maintained the violet alert to keep residents safe. The meteorological services indicated the cyclone would significantly affect the island’s infrastructure, echoing fears of prior destructive storms.
Even with the clarion call for precautionary measures, the residents of La Réunion demonstrated resourcefulness leading up to the cyclone's arrival. On February 27, stores saw increased foot traffic as locals scrambled to gather supplies and emergency provisions. Reports indicated about 700 individuals sought shelter at designated emergency centers set up across the island, and local farmers particularly grappled with the impending impact on their crops, showcasing the shared concern among those whose livelihoods could be disrupted.
Infrastructure challenges emerged as the cyclone hit: nearly 145,000 households experienced power outages, and internet access dwindled for approximately 39,000 residents. Amid preparations, reports revealed flying debris, uprooted trees, and severe flooding throughout the region, confirming fears of extensive destruction due to the cyclone's strong winds and torrential rains.
Despite the turmoil roused by Cyclone Garance, emergency and rescue services were on high alert, with 100 troops and firefighters standing by from as far as Mayotte, poised to step up as soon as conditions permitted. Residents of La Réunion expressed their feelings of helplessness through social media, exemplifying the collective anxiety surrounding the cyclone's anticipated impact. One resident, Jean-Christophe Hoareau, sorrowfully acknowledged the predictions of losses to his agricultural production, reflecting the stark reality faced by farmers.
Local officials reported strict measures were enforced, demanding full compliance with the alert protocols. Shops across the island were shuttered, and air traffic came to a complete halt at the international airport. The community, though shaken, rallied together amid the chaos, showing resilience against the forces of nature.
President Emmanuel Macron echoed supportive sentiments via social media, reinforcing the need for solidarity during the crisis. With the community recognized for its dynamism and strength, La Réunion prepared to face the storm and its aftermath, aiming to restore normalcy as quickly as possible once the worst of Cyclone Garance subsided.
By early afternoon, as the cyclone stormed through the region, the prefecture conveyed updates indicating favorable shifts. Said updates promised eventual easing of the storm, signifying hope for the beleaguered islanders as they bore witness to another intense weather event.
Nevertheless, emergency services urged caution, insisting on following safety protocols diligently until cyclone conditions fully ceased. The cyclone’s track might have varied, but the island's spirit remained steadfast, exemplifying the resilience pivotal to overcoming such natural adversities.