The French island of Réunion, nestled in the Indian Ocean, has been struck by Tropical Cyclone Garance, resulting in tragic loss of life and widespread damage. At least three people have died, and numerous cities are grappling with power outages as the island copes with the aftermath of the storm.
Garance Unleashes Fury
Cyclone Garance made landfall on Friday, bringing with it torrential rains and powerful winds. Wind gusts reached a staggering 230 km/h, tearing through the island and causing significant destruction. Meteorologists had issued the highest level of warning, urging residents to take shelter immediately.
Authorities advised residents to either remain indoors or seek refuge in designated evacuation centers. "The safety of our citizens is paramount," a local official stated. "We urge everyone to heed the warnings and take necessary precautions."
Power Outages Plague the Island
In addition to the fatalities, several cities across Réunion are currently without electricity. The strong winds have downed power lines, leaving residents in the dark and disrupting essential services. Emergency crews are working tirelessly to restore power, but progress has been hampered by the ongoing severe weather conditions. 
Warnings Issued Ahead of the Storm
Prior to Garance's arrival, authorities had issued the highest level of alert, urging residents to stay at home. This proactive measure aimed to minimize the risk of injuries and fatalities during the peak of the storm.
"The highest alert level was issued ahead of the approaching low pressure system. Residents were urged to stay at home."
The full extent of the damage caused by Cyclone Garance is still being assessed. However, initial reports indicate that the island has suffered extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses. The recovery process is expected to be long and challenging. 
The people of Réunion are resilient, and with the support of the French government and international aid organizations, they will undoubtedly overcome this adversity and rebuild their lives.