Reunion Island braces for the potential impact of Cyclone Garance, which has prompted the local government to issue an orange alert. The storm, which is currently classified as a strong tropical storm, is expected to intensify and could reach cyclone status by Thursday, February 27.
According to reports from Météo France, Garance is currently located about 390 kilometers northwest of Reunion. The director of Météo France for the Indian Ocean, Céline Jauffret, stated during a press conference, "The cyclone poses a significant and serious threat to Reunion." Expecting the conditions to deteriorate significantly, local authorities are urging residents to prepare for the worst.
This orange alert, effective from 2 PM local time on February 26 (11 AM Paris time), indicates the second highest level of alert, implying danger within the next 24 hours. Already, as of Wednesday, schools will be closed, with classes continuing only until the afternoon. Jauffret noted, "The storm could come as close as 70 kilometers to the coast, possibly intensifying to cyclone strength by Thursday night." Yet, the precise path of Garance remains uncertain.
Historically, Reunion Island has faced numerous cyclonic threats, but many locals maintain confidence in the region’s resilience infrastructure. One resident, Aïcha, who experienced the devastation of Cyclone Chido back in December 2024 on nearby Mayotte, said, "This cannot be worse than Chido. Here, the infrastructure is not the same, and the preparation is much more thorough.”
Alexandre, another resident from the district of Avirons, expressed similar sentiments. He noted, "We’re not alarmed; it’s not our first rodeo. We know what to do. Stocking up on water and food is part of our routine at this stage." This sentiment of preparedness is echoed across the island, with residents securing outside spaces and implementing emergency plans.
With cyclone Garance expected to continue its path south, the likelihood of significant rainfall, strong winds, and high seas is increasing. Authorities are anticipating the cyclone to approach the island during the night from February 27 to 28. If the cyclone does reach the intensity projected, winds could exceed 200 km/h as it makes landfall.
Jauffret's forecasts have raised alarms due to the cyclone's potential to impact directly, diverging from earlier predictions indicating it would pass more centrally between Reunion and Mauritius. The latest models suggest substantial rainfall and gale-force winds could affect large parts of the island.
“We are maintaining vigilance; now is not the time for complacency,” Jauffret explained. “The progression and intensity will continue to be monitored closely.” While residents acknowledge previous cyclonic events, the continuous buildup of public safety measures and local emergency response strategies provides some level of reassurance.
The government has also circulated messages advising locals to avoid non-essential travel and to remain indoors as the storm approaches. Promotions for securing property and preparing emergency kits have been widely communicated to residents.
Reunion Island last faced such cyclonic warnings over a year ago, with the community collectively remembering the lessons learned from past storms. The island’s infrastructure and response capabilities are much improved since Cyclone Chido's aftermath.
“It’s all about preparation,” stated one local restaurateur from Saint-Leu, who shared insights on anticipated operations. "We secure everything and wait until the alarms send us home.”
Onlookers are advised to keep abreast of updates from Météo France and local government announcements to mitigate risks. This strong sense of community and proactive approach has garnered respect from outside observers as Reunion grapples with yet another weather threat.
While uncertainty remains about the exact timing and impact of Cyclone Garance, one thing is clear: the community is ready and is mobilizing to confront the looming storm. The next couple of days will be pivotal as authorities continue to closely monitor its path and its potential repercussions.