Cyclone Garance Lashes La Reunion: Power Cuts and Roofs Blown Away

Cyclone Garance hit La Reunion with winds of 155 kph, causing roof damage and power outages. About 42% of households lost power, and nearly 10% have no drinking water. Though the worst has passed, residents must stay indoors amid lingering rough weather.

Cyclone Garance unleashed its fury on La Reunion, a French overseas territory, reaching daunting wind speeds of 155 kph. The storm tore off roofs and disrupted essential services, leaving many residents without electricity and water.

Prefect Patrice Latron reported no casualties, as the cyclone entered the island from the north and exited via the southwest. Approximately 180,000 households were thrust into darkness, representing 42% of the local power utility's customers, with nearly a tenth bereft of potable water.

While the storm alert has been downgraded, authorities mandated residents stay indoors due to ongoing harsh weather conditions. Meanwhile, the nearby island of Mauritius reopened its airport as the cyclone's threat diminished.