Cyclone Garance hit the French overseas territory of La Réunion on February 9, 2025, causing widespread destruction and leaving at least four people dead.
The cyclone brought winds of up to 230 kilometres per hour, uprooting trees, damaging homes, and causing flash floods.
Among the victims, one man was found trapped under a fallen tree, while others were swept away by floods, caught in a mudslide, or killed by an electrical fire.
The storm left over 180,000 people without electricity and more than 170,000 without access to drinking water.
The island’s international airport was expected to reopen late Saturday, but flight disruptions had already affected La Réunion and neighbouring Mauritius.
About 200 firefighters and civil workers were deployed from mainland France and Mayotte to assist with recovery efforts.
Residents shared images of the devastation online, showing uprooted trees, destroyed roofs, and flooded streets. Many roads were blocked by fallen trees, and bridges were washed away.
Patrice Latron, a government representative on the island, warned that significant work was needed to clear the damage and restore infrastructure.
While the worst of the storm had passed by Friday evening, heavy rains remained a threat. Authorities continued to urge residents to stay indoors.
The storm alert was downgraded from the highest level, purple, to red, earlier in the day on Friday, which allowed rescue workers to leave their shelters and start to assess damage and help those affected.
The force of the storm was described as frightening by residents, with some fearing for their safety as homes were battered by the powerful winds.

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Tropical Cyclone Garance hit La Réunion, France, causing lots of damage and four people to die. The storm brought strong winds, flooded streets, and knocked down trees. Many people lost electricity and drinking water. The airport was closed, and flights were disrupted. Rescue workers from France and Mayotte helped with recovery efforts. The island faced lots of destruction, with roads blocked and bridges washed away. The storm passed, but heavy rains were still a danger. Residents were told to stay inside. The storm was very scary for many people.

Tropical Cyclone Garance Devastates France's La Réunion, Leaving Four Dead

Authorities on the French Indian Ocean territory of Reunion Island issued a red alert on Thursday as Tropical Cyclone Garance approaches, bringing strong winds and heavy rain.
According to <a href="https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/red-alert-in-effect-as-cyclone-garance-threatens-france-s-reunion-island-/3495321#">AA</a>, citing Le Parisien, the alert level was raised to red at 7 PM local time due to the storm, which is classified as an “intense tropical storm”.
The warning follows a similar move by neighbouring Mauritius, which shut its main airport as the storm intensified.
France’s national meteorological agency, Meteo-France, has warned that the cyclone is “dangerously approaching” Reunion and poses a “direct threat.”
Gusts exceeding 150 kilometres per hour are expected in the island’s highest areas, along with heavy rain and rough seas.
Residents are urged to stay indoors, with movement restricted to emergency services only.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced that 100 firefighters are being deployed from the neighbouring French territory of Mayotte to Reunion as a precaution. If needed, reinforcements could come from mainland France.
Flights are disrupted across the region, with Air Mauritius suspending all flights “until further notice.” Reunion’s airport is also set to close as the storm approaches.
In December, Cyclone Chido caused widespread destruction on Mayotte Island, resulting in dozens of deaths and Garance may have a similar impact as it reaches its peak intensity.

Authorities in Reunion Island are very worried because Cyclone Garance is coming. The storm will bring strong winds and heavy rain. The alert level was raised to red, which means people need to be very careful. The cyclone is very dangerous and could cause a lot of damage. People are being told to stay inside and only emergency services can move around. Flights are being cancelled and even the airport is closing. Firefighters are being sent to help in case of emergencies. Everyone needs to be prepared and stay safe.

Cyclone Garance Triggers Red Alert For Reunion Island

A new Tropical Storm, Garance, formed over the Southwest Indian Ocean northwest of La Reunion on Tuesday morning.
At 10 AM EST, the cyclone was located about 435 km northwest of St. Denis, La Reunion. Garance was moving east-northeast at 5 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h and gusts up to 80 km/h.
The storm’s thunderstorm activity was concentrated in the western and northern parts of its circulation, while the eastern and southern areas had mainly showers and lower clouds.
Garance’s circulation was small, with tropical storm-force winds extending 80 km from the centre.
Garance is expected to intensify in the next 24 hours as it moves over warm waters (30°C) and interacts with an upper-level low southeast of La Reunion, which will cause moderate wind shear. While the shear may slow intensification, it will not stop it.
The storm will slowly move eastward and could approach La Reunion and Mauritius in 36 hours.
Meanwhile, a tropical depression formed over the Mozambique Channel. As of 10 AM EST, it was located about 655 km west of Toliara, Madagascar.
The depression was moving south-southeast at 11 km/h, with winds of 55 km/h and gusts up to 75 km/h.

A new Tropical Storm called Garance formed near La Reunion in the Indian Ocean. The storm has winds of 65 km/h and could get stronger. It is moving slowly and may reach La Reunion and Mauritius. Another storm is forming near Madagascar too. Both storms have winds and could cause bad weather. People in these areas should be ready for heavy rain and strong winds.

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