Hurricane “Garance” Hits France’s Réunion Island: 4 Dead

French officials announced on Saturday that at least four people have died on Réunion Island, located in the Indian Ocean, due to Hurricane Garance, which has left behind significant destruction in this French territory.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Hurricane Garance struck the island on Friday, home to 900,000 residents, flooding streets, tearing off rooftops, and uprooting trees.

• After Hurricane “Daniel”… How Does Climate Change Threaten Libya?

• A Strange Phenomenon Accompanies Hurricane “Milton”… What Is Reverse Surge?

Authorities lifted the state of alert on Saturday morning but urged residents to remain indoors after Garance was downgraded to a severe tropical storm.

Officials also reported discovering the body of a man in the capital, Saint-Denis, after previously confirming the deaths of two women and a man due to floods, landslides, or fires caused by electrical short circuits.

• Worst in 100 years: Florida braces for Hurricane Milton

• Hurricane Milton: A Terrifying Scenario Looms Over Florida

Approximately 160,000 people remain without electricity, while over 950 residents have sought shelter in temporary housing centers.

Additionally, more than 310,000 people lack access to drinking water, and 140,000 are experiencing internet outages.

• All Bridges Destroyed: Hurricane Helene Isolates a Remote Area in North Carolina

• Hurricane Helene Claims Over 200 Lives in the United States

The central government’s representative on the island, Patrice Latron, stated: “We have a lot of work ahead of us. Roads are flooded and impassable.”

He also noted that Hurricane Garance was stronger than Hurricane Belal, which had already caused four deaths in Réunion in January 2024 and resulted in damages estimated at nearly 100 million euros.

• Hurricane “John” leaves 16 dead in Mexico

• Hurricane “Helene”: Strong Winds and Powerful Storms Headed Towards Florida