The island of La Réunion, situated in the Indian Ocean, faces the daunting task of recovery after Cyclone Garance struck on February 28, 2025. This catastrophic event has resulted in devastating damage across multiple sectors, leading to an estimated total cost of nearly 250 million euros in repairs. The cyclonic winds and torrential rains have particularly battered the agricultural sector, which now grapples with significant losses.
Olivier Fontaine, president of the agricultural chamber, addressed the dire state of affairs post-Garance, stating, "C’est le chaos, nous sommes partagés entre la démoralisation et la colère". The cyclone inflicted nearly 151.6 million euros in damage to agriculture alone, which represents the heart of the island's economy. Highlighting the reality faced by local farmers, Fontaine noted that the sugarcane crop, which covers around 52.9% of La Réunion's agricultural territory, suffered losses estimated upwards of 80 million euros.
Livestock also bore the brunt of the cyclone; losses were tallied at 12.2 million euros, with an alarming count of nearly 129,000 poultry and numerous cattle, pigs, and beehives lost. As farmers and residents attempt to assess the impact, the need for governmental support becomes increasingly urgent.
The damage extends beyond agriculture; infrastructure has also taken a heavy toll. With estimates indicating that 21 out of 45 high schools were damaged and requiring 2.5 million euros for repairs, educational facilities now face delays in reopening. Furthermore, the national road network demands approximately 72.5 million euros to restore it to a functional state.
Residents, particularly those in the communal areas like Saint-Benoît, found themselves especially vulnerable during the recovery phase. The Association régionale des maîtres d'ouvrage sociaux and local stakeholders reported that scores of families lost their homes. The aftermath of Garance has led to another critical issue: the lack of insurance coverage among many residents. Currently, it’s estimated that about 30% of La Réunion’s population is uninsured, complicating their recovery efforts.
Mehreen, a young resident of Saint-André, shared her story of struggle post-cyclone. After moving into her apartment just three months before the cyclone, she lamented, "C’est au mois de décembre que moi et mon mari on est venu habiter ici, ça fait déjà 3 mois, et on n’a pas eu le temps de faire l’assurance." This poignant account reflects the harsh realities many face. With damages to her ceiling costing between 3,000 and 4,000 euros, Mehreen represents a growing number of locals who are now seeking aid but are unable to due to their lack of insurance coverage.
Moreover, reports indicate that only 6,000 out of 50,000 identified victims of Garance possess insurance, as Maurice Gironcel, president of CINOR, highlighted. In response to the pressing needs of these uninsured residents, calls have arisen for the government to extend the national emergency plan, known as the plan Barnier, to address the financial burdens faced by many.
While many artisans have filed for claims, the challenges continue; over 220 artisans have submitted claims to the chambre de métiers et de l'artisanat (CMA) regarding diverse losses, from damaged tools to disruption in operations due to a lack of resources like electricity and internet. As Bernard Picardo, president of the CMA, stated, "Pour les artisans, les sinistres sont divers." With initial assessments of around three million euros in damages, the total figure may rise as more claims emerge.
As the rain continues to complicate the recovery efforts, many residents find themselves in dire conditions without the necessary resources to rebuild. The general sentiment among local leaders is one of urgency and need for collective responsibility. Approaches to offer immediate support and long-term recovery solutions have become the focus of local governmental agendas.
In conclusion, the situation in La Réunion remains critical as the community bands together to restore lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure after the destruction wrought by Cyclone Garance. With significantly high recovery costs, insufficient insurance coverage, and the looming threat of drought, the path forward demands coordinated efforts between the government, organizations, and the residents themselves to ensure safety and stability returns to the island.
