Following Cyclone Garance that made landfall on the islands of Réunion, Mauritius and Madagascar on Friday, February 28. 2025, our sisters provide us with an update on the situation there.
Cyclone Garance brought extreme weather conditions, with violent winds reaching up to 298 km/h, torrential rainfall, and severe flooding across the islands. The destruction has been immense, affecting infrastructure, homes, and essential services.
A Heavy Toll
The impact of the cyclone has been far-reaching and devastating. Tragically, there have been three confirmed deaths due to drowning, landslides, and a fire, and it is feared that this number may rise as the full extent of the disaster becomes clear.
In addition, over a thousand people have been displaced from their homes and are currently being housed in emergency shelters. The damage to property has been extensive, with vehicles being swept away and some completely lost. The situation is further compounded by widespread power outages and water supply disruptions, which are affecting numerous towns and hindering rescue and relief efforts.
Emergency services are actively responding to the disaster, working tirelessly to assist those affected. Authorities are urging regional solidarity as they coordinate relief efforts and begin damage assessments and reconstruction planning.
The Situation for the Local Sisters
Despite the chaos and significant losses suffered, our sisters and partners-in-mission on the islands are safe. However, our properties have sustained damage and several trees have been uprooted. The disruption extends to essential services and we currently lack access to running water, a situation expected to persist until March 3. To manage our needs, we rely on water from a nearby ravine, using it to sustain our livestock and for sanitation purposes. In the aftermath of the storm, we have been cleaning up and repairing the destruction left behind by Garance.
Although Mauritius was spared from the direct impact of the cyclone, the authorities issued cyclone warnings as a precautionary measure. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and prepare for possible water and electricity cuts. Schools were closed for two days due to the bad weather. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport was temporarily closed due to these weather conditions.
The cyclone caused adverse weather conditions on the island. High swell warnings were issued, with waves reaching 5 to 7 meters in the open sea, increasing the risk of coastal flooding, particularly on the north and west coasts. The authorities advised against going to sea and accessing the beaches during this period. Despite warnings from the authorities about the dangers of the rough sea, some ignored the safety instructions. This disregard for the recommendations led to a tragedy, with one person now missing at sea. As a preventive measure, 70 families chose to take refuge in a reception center, aware that their homes were not strong enough to withstand the bad weather. They found a safe space and the necessary support there while waiting for the bad weather to end. Because of the powerful gusts, several trees collapsed on the roadway, completely blocking certain roads and complicating travel.
Looking Ahead
Nothing like this has been experienced for over 30 years and it is one of the most destructive storms to have ever hit the islands. The effects will be felt for weeks, if not months, as we come to terms with our losses and begin the arduous task of rebuilding.
Our spirit of resilience and community support will be crucial in overcoming this disaster. We ask for your prayers and support too.
