Is 'hard' correct here?

Is 'hard' correct here?
 

I'm writing about a rebellion in Ireland:

...but the attempt to seize the power failed and the reaction was hard, with executions and arrests.

Thanks. :)

harsh or severe would be better. :)

(Arrests and executions would be the logical sequence.)

I've changed :), although very few from the arrested were executed.

Thanks. :)

100% agree. Harsh and severe are perfect choices here.

:):):)

Thanks Awaken and Chileno. :)

I think "very few of the arrested" would also work.

I hesitated between 'of' and 'from' (y por la ley de Murphy elegí la equivocada :rolleyes: ).

Thanks. :)