Prepared by: Asmita Dahal, GRIT
Cyclone Garance, which struck Réunion Island in February 2025, was a powerful tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 230 km/h. The storm caused significant loss of life, severe infrastructure damage, and environmental degradation. Réunion Island has a long history of devastating cyclones, but the increasing intensity of storms like Garance highlights the growing impact of climate change. This report examines key aspects of the cyclone, including its meteorological formation, historical context, societal and economic impacts, advancements in forecasting, emergency response measures, and policy implications for future resilience.
Introduction
Réunion Island is situated in the southwest Indian Ocean and has a long history of tropical cyclones. Cyclone Garance occurred in February 2025 and had sustained winds of 230 km/h, which caused significant loss of life, infrastructural damage, and environmental degradation. This report explores topics related to the cyclone, including forecasting technology, emergency management strategies, socio-economic recovery, and climate policy adaptations.
Meteorological Formation and Causes
Cyclone Garance developed under various favorable conditions:
- Warm Ocean Waters: Sea surface temperatures are hot and have exceeded 26.5°C, providing the necessary heat and moisture for the development of cyclones (World Meteorological Organization, 2024).
- Low-Pressure Systems: The warm air rose rapidly due to the formation of a low-pressure center, which created an environment favorable for cyclone development (IPCC, 2023).
- Coriolis Effect: Cyclone consolidates its structure because the earth’s rotation imparts a spiraling motion. This allows the cyclone to consolidate its structure. (France24, 2025).
- Climate Change: Rising sea surface temperatures have intensified storm development by extending the duration and strength of the heat engine driving the cyclone (IPCC, 2023).
Historical Context of Cyclones on Réunion Island
Réunion Island has a history of devastating cyclones:
- 1948 Cyclone: This was one of the most violent cyclones. It had registered wind speeds above 300 km/h, resulting in 165 fatalities.
- Cyclone Hyacinthe (1980): This cyclone was notable for record-breaking rainfall and extensive flooding, which caused significant infrastructural damage and loss of life.
- Cyclone Dina (2002): This cyclone was marked by destructive winds that reached up to 300 km/h. It heavily impacted agricultural activity and local communities. (Al Jazeera, 2025).
- Cyclone Garance's peak wind speed was moderate compared to historical extremes. However, it inflicted considerable socio-economic and environmental damage. It further emphasized the evolving nature of tropical cyclones in the context of climate change.
Impacts of Cyclone Garance
Human and Societal Impact
Cyclone Garance claimed at least five lives and displaced more than 950 residents. Disrupted access to healthcare, psychological trauma among survivors, and the breakdown of community support networks during the initial aftermath were the immediate challenges created by Cyclone Garance (Yahoo News, 2025).
Infrastructure and Utilities
Cyclone Garance caused huge destruction of roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure. It left approximately 160,000 residents without power and 310,000 without access to clean drinking water. These challenges highlighted vulnerabilities in urban and rural planning (France24, 2025).
Economic Losses
Local businesses, agriculture, and fisheries were severely affected. For emergency recovery from the losses, the French government allocated €200,000. However, the long-term economic consequences are decreased productivity and potential financial instability (Al Jazeera, 2025).
Environmental Impact
Soil erosion, habitat loss, and mudslides were caused by flooding that disrupted local ecosystems. There are also long-term environmental costs that may affect biodiversity and increase the possibility of future natural disasters (World Meteorological Organization, 2024).
Cyclone Forecasting and Early Warning Systems
Several advancements in forecasting and preparedness played a crucial role:
- Modeling Improvements: Real-time satellite data integration and advanced algorithms improved predictions of cyclone directions, paths, and intensity (World Meteorological Organization, 2024).
- Early Warning Systems: Community alert systems and risk communication strategies improved response times, helping to save lives (France24, 2025).
- Technology Integration: Real-time information flow was relatively more manageable because of mobile alerts, social media updates, and community radio (Yahoo News, 2025).
Emergency Response and Recovery Mechanisms
The response to Cyclone Garance showcased various areas of improvement:
- Evacuation and Sheltering: Possible casualties were minimized by following rapid evacuation measures and establishing temporary shelters.
- Resource Allocation: The declaration of a state of emergency eased funding restrictions and effectively mobilized first responders.
- Interagency Coordination: Disaster Management improved due to collaboration between local, national, and international agencies.
- Long-Term Recovery: Long-term recoveries like rebuilding infrastructure, restoring public services, and rehabilitating ecosystems remain ongoing challenges (Al Jazeera, 2025).
Socio-Economic Resilience and Community Recovery
Long-term recovery efforts focus on the following aspects:
- Community Preparedness: Education, drills, and resilience planning are crucial for preventing future impacts.
- Financial Instruments: Disaster insurance schemes and recovery funds help reduce economic shocks' impact.
- Mental Health Services: Holistic development can be achieved only by addressing psychological effects (IPCC, 2023).
Climate Change and Cyclone Intensification
Climate change is a recurring term in cyclone dynamics:
- Ocean Temperature Rise: Warmer oceans increase the intensity and frequency of cyclones.
- Altered Atmospheric Patterns: Changes in wind and precipitation patterns create complications in forecasting.
- Global Implications: Global collaboration is required to address greenhouse gas emissions and climate mitigation (IPCC, 2023).
Policy Implications and Future Directions
Policymakers must adopt comprehensive strategies to counter the increasing threat of cyclones:
- Infrastructure Investment: Investing in cyclone-resistant designs and sustainable materials can enhance resilience.
- Urban Planning: Natural barriers, green spaces, and flood defenses can reduce cyclone impacts.
- International Cooperation: Global collaboration across borders on disaster preparedness is essential.
- Research and Development: Investment in technological and academic research helps to improve forecasting models (France24, 2025).
Conclusion
Cyclone Garance shows the complications of natural disasters in a changing climate. Approaches such as encompassing forecasting technology, robust early warning signs, infrastructural investments, and proactive policies are necessary for adapting to the growing threat of cyclones.
References
- Al Jazeera. (2025, March 1). Four dead as Cyclone Garance wrecks France’s La Réunion Island. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/1/three-dead-as-cyclone-garance-wrecks-frances-la-reunion-island
- France24. (2025, February 28). Cyclone Garance kills at least two as it barrels across France's Réunion Island. Retrieved from https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20250228-cyclone-garance-puts-mauritius-la-reunion-on-high-alert
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2023). Climate change 2023: The physical science basis. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/
- World Meteorological Organization. (2024). Global review of early warning systems in disaster risk reduction. Retrieved from https://public.wmo.int/en/our-mandate/focus-areas/disaster-risk-reduction
- Yahoo News. (2025, March 12). Cyclone Garance: Réunion Island declares state of emergency after five killed by storm. Retrieved from https://nz.news.yahoo.com/cyclone-garance-reunion-island-declares-123240658.html