Mauritius and La Réunion are under high alert as Cyclone Garance, an intense tropical storm, poses a direct threat to the islands. Mauritius has shut its main airport, while La Réunion plans to follow suit. Officials warn of strong winds and flooding, necessitating emergency precautions, including the declaration of a red alert for the region.
Mauritius and La Réunion are currently on high alert due to Cyclone Garance, categorized as a powerful and intense tropical storm. Authorities have deemed it a “direct threat” to these popular tourist destinations, prompting the shutdown of Mauritius’ main airport and imminent closures in La Réunion. The Mauritius Meteorological Service classified Garance as a class 3 cyclone, indicating significant risks with wind gusts potentially reaching up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) per hour.
As the cyclone approaches, it was reported to be 310 kilometers (190 miles) northwest of Mauritius. Officials emphasized the dangers posed by the storm, warning of possible flooding and hazardous conditions as it neared the islands. Originally moving eastward, Garance has altered its trajectory to head south, with forecasts predicting it will pass between Mauritius and La Réunion.
La Réunion’s government has indicated that a “red alert” would be implemented, necessitating the closure of their airport. It is anticipated that the cyclone will pass within 50 kilometers of La Réunion between Thursday evening and Friday morning, presenting a serious threat to residents. Meteo-France has warned of the possibility of wind gusts exceeding 150 kilometers per hour in higher elevations along with intense rainfall and rough sea conditions.
The declaration of a red alert requires residents to stay indoors, allowing only emergency services to operate outside. As a precaution, local schools had already suspended operations by Wednesday afternoon. Additionally, Air Mauritius announced the suspension of all flights pending further notice, further impacting travel in the region.
In summary, Cyclone Garance poses a significant threat to both Mauritius and La Réunion, prompting urgent responses from local authorities. With airports closing and stringent safety measures in place, residents are urged to heed warnings and prepare for severe weather conditions. The ongoing developments will be closely monitored as the cyclone approaches.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
