Violent storms and cyclone: ​​Réunion in fear and darkness!

Violent storms and cyclone: ​​Réunion in fear and darkness!

A strong cyclone hit Reunion Island today, and the French island's prefecture has urged its 900,000 residents to stay at home. Authorities warn that while the worst winds are easing, the threat of heavy rain remains. According to information from vienna.at Wind speeds of up to 230 km/h were measured on a mountain in the east of the island. The airports on La Réunion and in the neighboring island of Mauritius, about 200 kilometers away, were closed. Residents shared worried photos of uprooted trees and damaged roofs on social media.

There is great fear among the locals. Vincent Clain, a resident of Sainte-Marie, reported: “This is the first time I have experienced such a violent cyclone and the first time I have been so afraid.” Around 30 percent of the population temporarily had no electricity and around 10 percent had no drinking water. Additional rescue workers will soon fly in from Mayotte and mainland France as soon as it is safe to do so. A severe cyclone already occurred in 2024, killing four people, making today's situation particularly alarming. Scientific reports suggest that extreme weather events are increasing due to climate change, according to current knowledge of the region wikipedia.org.

Devastating consequences for the residents

The impact of the cyclone is not only geographical, but also affects the population of Reunion Island emotionally. The need to hole up in the safe areas of their homes has left people terrified. The responsible authorities are now working to stabilize the situation and provide the necessary aid for those affected. In an area regularly affected by extreme weather events, these experiences demonstrate the vulnerability of the community and the urgency for preventive measures to respond to disasters.