⚠️ Cyclone Garance: La Réunion on red alert – Prepare yourself now!

The intense tropical cyclone Garance is dangerously approaching Réunion, triggering a red alert starting from 7 PM. Violent winds up to 200 km/h, waves of 8 meters, and torrential rains threaten the island. Discover how to effectively protect yourself against this extreme phenomenon. 🚨🌪️

---

🚨 Cyclone Garance: An imminent threat to Réunion

The Garance cyclone, now classified as a category 3/5, is slowly approaching Réunion with wind gusts reaching 200 km/h around the eye of the cyclone. According to Météo France forecasts, the impact is expected Thursday night into Friday, with dangerous weather conditions across the entire island.

💡 Key info: The trajectory remains uncertain; the eye of the cyclone could pass either east or west of the island, leading to very different local impacts. Stay vigilant for official updates.

Why is it concerning?

• Cyclonic winds exceeding 150 km/h threaten coastal areas and mountainous regions.
• The cyclonic swell could reach 8 meters, increasing the risk of marine submersion along the northern coastline.
• Torrential rains may cause flooding and landslides.

---

🔴 Red alert: What to do immediately?

As soon as the red alert is triggered at 7 PM (local time), staying indoors is mandatory for all residents. Here are the essential reflexes to adopt to stay safe:

📻 1. Stay informed in real-time

• Listen to the radio: With power outages likely, the radio remains the most reliable means to receive safety instructions.
• Follow official accounts on social media:
  • Prefect of Réunion on Twitter for real-time alerts.
  • Météo France for updated forecasts.

🏠 2. Secure your home

• Reinforce openings: Use shutters or boards to protect windows from debris blown by the wind.
• Bring in outdoor objects: Prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles (garden furniture, tools, flower pots…).
• Prepare a safe room: Choose a room without windows or with securely protected openings to shelter during the cyclone’s passage.

💡 3. Take survival measures

• Store drinking water: Plan for 10 liters per person for several days in case of water outage.
• Gather food supplies: Choose non-perishable foods like canned goods, dry bread, and energy snacks.
• Prepare an emergency kit: Include flashlights, spare batteries, a first aid kit, and essential medications.

🚫 4. Follow safety instructions

• Stay confined: Do not go outside, even if conditions seem to temporarily improve.
• Avoid using the phone: Keep lines free for emergencies.
• Do not be deceived by the calm: The passage of the eye of the cyclone may lead to a deceptive lull followed by a violent resurgence of winds.

---

🌊 Major risks and high danger zones

🌪️ 1. Destructive winds

• Wind gusts of up to 200 km/h may damage roofs, vehicles, and lightweight structures.
• The most exposed areas are the north-east coast and the highlands of the island.

🌊 2. Cyclonic swell

• The north coast is under absolute vigilance for the risk of marine submersion.
• Waves of 8 meters are expected, making the coastline extremely dangerous.

🌧️ 3. Intense precipitation and flooding

• Torrential rains will cause flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas.
• Avoid travel and do not approach watercourses.

---

🆘 In case of emergency: Useful numbers and resources

• Firefighters: 18
• Emergency Medical Service: 15
• Police / Gendarmerie: 17
• European emergency number: 112

---

🙌 Solidarity and resilience in the face of the cyclone

In the face of Garance’s imminence, solidarity is more necessary than ever.

• Share this article with your loved ones to inform and help them prepare.
• Check on the health of vulnerable individuals (elderly, sick, children).
• Stay connected with your neighborhood to coordinate mutual assistance if needed.

---

🔥 Stay informed and share the info

To follow the evolution of the situation in real-time and share vital information, use the following hashtags on social media:

• #CycloneGarance
• #RedAlertRéunion
• #CyclonicPrevention
• #RéunionInSafety

📢 Share this article to help your community better prepare for this cyclonic threat.

For further reading: Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for and Survive Tropical Storms