Three dead as a cyclone station destroys La Reunion Island in France | The news of the weather

More than 180,000 households face power outages as cyclone hides chaos on the Indian Ocean Island, authorities say.

At least three people were killed when Garance Garance hit French territory abroad on La Reunion, leading to wind speeds to 155 m/h (96 miles/h), French police said.

The cyclone struck on Friday, making the land north of the Indian Ocean Island east of Madagascar, blowing roofs and cutting energy and access to drinking water for many residents.

It came out of the southwestern part of the island a few hours later, Meteological Agency Meteo France reported.

Meteo France said that the storm was gone.

The storm signal was reduced from the highest level, purple, to red, earlier during the day on Friday, allowing rescue workers to leave their shelters and begin to evaluate the damage and help those affected.

The compulsory order for residents to remain indoors. After wind speeds dropped, heavy rains were considered as a greater risk.

Meteorological conditions were expected to improve on Saturday.

“The cyclone is still a threat to the island, I urge everyone to follow the instructions of local authorities,” French Prime Minister Francois Bayro said on X on Friday.

“Our thoughts are with them and their loved ones who have been hit strongly.”

The prefecture said earlier that 180,000 households – about 42 percent of the customers of the electricity utility company – have lost energy and nearly 10 percent do not have access to drinking water.

Nearby, the tourist island of Mauritius closed its main airport on Wednesday while La Reunion closed flights on Thursday. His international airport had to open late on Saturday.

“I was first afraid” for the first time

Residents said the power of the cyclone was frightening.

“This is the first time I saw the cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I was afraid,” says Vincent Klein, who lives in St. Marie on the North Coast, in front of the News Agency.

He said the storm eradied trees in his garden. “I thought they would break into the house,” he said.

Klein, his wife, their son and dog hid in their kitchen, “the most secure area of ​​the house”.

Alin Etheve, a resident of Saint-Susan on the shore, said she was worried that the roof of her house would collapse after the storm destroyed her garden fence.

“I have to admit that I am a little scared,” she told AFP, adding that her strength and Wi-Fi access have disappeared.