Severe Flooding and Destruction Across the Island

Cyclone Garance swept through Réunion Island on Friday, February 28, causing catastrophic damage, particularly in the eastern and northern regions. The island was placed under a red alert from Thursday evening, with authorities warning of extreme weather conditions. The impact was devastating, with torrential rains leading to massive flooding, especially in Saint-Denis.

Three Fatalities Confirmed

As the cyclone moved across the island, authorities confirmed three deaths due to the storm.

• In Saint-Denis, a 50-year-old woman was found dead in the Domenjod area.
• Another victim, a man in Champ Fleuri, succumbed to his injuries after a fire broke out in his apartment due to an electrical short circuit.
• A third fatality was reported in Trois-Bassins, where a mother of three was buried under mud while trying to clear debris from her property.

Infrastructure Damage and Power Outages

The storm left a trail of destruction, with homes losing roofs and balconies collapsing. The flooding in Saint-Denis, from Champ Fleuri to Bas de la Rivière and Bellepierre, was particularly severe. In Saint-Gilles, a section of the road near the Carrosse junction was washed away, leaving a large crater.

The Réunion La 1ère network has been broadcasting updates since the red alert was issued. Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors as conditions remain hazardous. Patrice Latron, the prefect of Réunion, stated that the red alert would not be lifted on Friday evening, but it could be downgraded by Saturday.

Record Rainfall and Continued Risks

The cyclone brought record-breaking wind gusts and rainfall, leading to widespread power outages and disruptions. Emergency services are working tirelessly to assess the full extent of the damage and assist those affected.

For live updates and more information, visit Réunion La 1ère.