Réunion is preparing to face one of the most feared storms of the season. Tropical Storm Garance, likely to become a severe tropical cyclone, threatens the island with gusts exceeding 150 km/h. 😨 Discover everything you need to know to protect yourself and stay informed.
🌩️ Tropical Storm Garance: An Imminent Threat to Réunion
Cyclone Garance is dangerously approaching the coast of Réunion. Currently located about 370 km northwest of the island, it is expected to reach the stage of severe tropical cyclone before passing closest to the island. Violent wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and a raging sea are anticipated, raising fears of flooding and power outages.
Why is Garance so feared?
Garance is following an unusual trajectory, moving from west to east, unlike typical cyclones that usually circulate from east to west in this region of the Indian Ocean. This unpredictable path complicates forecasts and raises the necessary alert level. ⚠️
What do experts say?
According to Céline Jauffret, regional director of Météo-France for the Indian Ocean:
“This strong storm is expected to reach the stage of tropical cyclone in the coming hours. It poses a significant and serious threat to Réunion.”
🚨 Red Cyclone Alert: What to Do in Réunion?
What is a red alert?
The red alert imposes a total confinement of the population. No one should go outside, except emergency services and law enforcement. This measure aims to protect the population from dangers related to strong winds and flooding.
Essential safety measures:
- Secure your home: Bring in objects that could be blown away by the wind. Check the strength of windows and doors.
- Stock up on supplies: Drinking water, non-perishable food, essential medications.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Flashlight, batteries, battery-operated radio, important documents.
- Stay informed: Follow weather bulletins and local authority instructions.
- Avoid all travel: Confinement is mandatory from the red alert.
⚠️ Don’t forget: Schools, colleges, high schools, nurseries, and collective reception centers for minors have been closed since Wednesday afternoon to ensure everyone’s safety.
🌊 Preparations in Réunion: The Population on Alert
In supermarkets in Saint-Denis, panic is starting to set in. Residents are stocking up in anticipation of the cyclone’s passage. “We are preparing for the worst,” confides a Réunionnaise, cart full of essential products.
Infrastructure at a standstill:
- Port activity has been suspended both on land and at sea.
- The international airport has modified its flight schedule for Wednesday and Thursday.
- Schools and public institutions are closed until further notice.
🚨 The prefect of Réunion announced that the red alert will be triggered this Thursday between midday and late afternoon, with a three-hour notice. Stay tuned to official instructions for your safety.
🔍 Forecasts and Unusual Trajectory of Garance
Unlike typical cyclones in this region of the Indian Ocean, Garance is moving from west to east, making the situation even more unpredictable.
What you need to know:
- The cyclone will pass less than 70 km from the Réunion coast, or even directly over the island.
- Wind gusts exceeding 150 km/h are expected.
- Heavy rainfall could cause flooding and landslides.
🎯 Key info: Garance is expected to reach Réunion Thursday afternoon and during the night from Thursday to Friday, according to Météo-France forecasts.
❤️ Solidarity and Precautions: How to Help and Protect Yourself?
Solidarity is essential in these moments of crisis. Here are some simple gestures to help and protect your loved ones:
- Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly or isolated individuals.
- Share official information to avoid rumors.
- Offer your help to secure vulnerable homes.
- Stay connected to social networks to follow the evolution of the situation in real-time.
🙏 Feel free to share this article to raise awareness among your circle.
📲Official Sources
For more reading: Cyclones in Réunion: Everything You Need to Know to Prepare and Survive Tropical Storms
Julie Lambert – Travel & News Blogger
Passionate about discoveries and current events, I share my adventures around the world along with insights on key societal issues. From travel stories to news analysis, join me in exploring and understanding the world!
