Residents of Ilet Coco and Ilet Danclas have been ordered to evacuate as Cyclone Garance approaches Réunion Island. The mayor of Saint-Benoît, Patrice Selly, issued the preventive evacuation order on Thursday, citing significant threats posed by anticipated heavy rainfall.
According to the Service Gemapi of Cirest, the intense storm could cause the Rivière des Marsouins to rise dramatically, potentially resulting in what is known as a hundred-year flood. This kind of flooding isn't just about inconvenience; it poses serious risks to homes and safety. The forecast is worrisome enough for officials to take these measures seriously.
"The heavy rainfall expected during the passage of Cyclone Garance could provoke a hundred-year flood of the Rivière des Marsouins," reported the Service Gemapi of Cirest. Such flooding risks could lead to major inundations, particularly for the vulnerable sectors of Ilet Coco and Ilet Danclas, both situated along the river.
It's not just the two ilets facing the immediate threat. The mayor warned of potential spillovers from the river impacting the left bank of the city, including heightened risks for several neighborhoods: the old maternity ward, impasse Montfleury, Sully Brunet, rue Poivre, rue Bertin, and rue du Canal. These areas are now on high alert as authorities work to prepare for the worst.
Local officials stressed the importance of safety and communication as the cyclone approaches. They instructed evacuees to head to designated shelters, including the Gymnase de Bras-Fusil on rue des Alpinias and the Gymnase Marc Minatchy on chemin Morange, which has been established to assist those displaced by potential flood conditions.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and to remain informed by checking updates on the situation from trusted sources, particularly vigicrues-reunion.re. Additional precautions were also recommended, including shielding valuable belongings and moving them to higher ground as rapidly as possible. "Residents are instructed to remain informed about the situation and take all necessary precautions against flooding," local officials noted.
There are also steps recommended for those continuing to stay at home. People have been advised to put their furniture and valuable items out of reach of floodwaters, fortify entrances and openings against water penetration, and park vehicles away from flood-prone areas. Electrical systems should be secured, and monitoring should remain on local communications, with limited phone use to keep lines open for emergencies.
For any emergencies, residents have been provided with the communal command post contact number, which is 02 62 50 88 00. The local government stands ready to assist any citizens experiencing distress during the cyclone's effect.
The impact of Cyclone Garance is being felt beyond just the physical damage; it highlights the resilience of affected communities and their ability to come together during such crises. Preparation and communication are key elements authorities continue to stress as this dangerous weather system approaches.
Local officials are determined to keep the public safe, and the next few days will be telling as the storm nears. While nature’s fury is something beyond control, human measures can significantly mitigate the destruction it might cause. For now, the focus remains on helping those threatened by rising waters find safety and shelter.