Two missing after giant wave lashes Reunion island

SAINT-DENIS-DE-LA REUNION: A freak wave sparked panic in the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion where two fishermen were still missing on Sunday after their boast capsized the previous evening.   

The giant wave lashed the southern port of Saint Pierre on Saturday evening sending several piers crashing down and flooding homes along the coastline. Five families had to be evacuated from their homes.   

France's meteorological office said the giant wave, estimated at 11 metres in some places, came from the south and added that it was a "recurring phenomenon in winter" in the southern hemisphere.   

Two fishermen brothers were still reported missing after their boat broke into two and capsized, according to witnesses.