Mauritius and La Réunion Prepare for Cyclone Garance’s Threat
Mauritius and La Réunion are on high alert due to Cyclone Garance, classified as a class 3 cyclone with winds reaching 70 km/h. Mauritius closed its main airport, and La Réunion is expected to follow suit. The cyclone poses a direct threat with potential flooding, and local authorities have issued red alerts indicating residents should remain indoors as safety precautions are enacted.
The islands of Mauritius and La Réunion in the Indian Ocean are on high alert due to Cyclone Garance, which poses a significant threat to these popular tourist destinations. As a precaution, Mauritius closed its main airport on Wednesday, while La Réunion, a French territory, was set to follow suit on Thursday with similar measures.
Cyclone Garance has been classified as a class 3 cyclone, the second-highest level of alert, with forecasts predicting gusts of wind up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) per hour. As reported by the Mauritius Meteorological Service, the cyclone is currently situated 310 kilometers (190 miles) northwest of Mauritius and is intensifying, constituting a direct risk of flooding in the region.
After initially moving eastward, Garance has shifted direction to the south, which places it on a trajectory to pass between Mauritius and La Réunion. A representative from La Réunion confirmed the issuance of a “red alert,” prompting the closure of the island’s airport. It is anticipated that the cyclone will approach within 50 kilometers of La Réunion between Thursday evening and Friday morning.
Meteo-France has signaled that La Réunion could experience substantial impacts, warning residents of potential gusts exceeding 150 kilometers per hour in the island’s mountainous areas, along with heavy rainfall and turbulent seas. Under a red alert, residents must remain indoors, with only emergency services permitted to operate. Educational institutions had already ceased operations by Wednesday afternoon due to the impending storm.
Consequently, Air Mauritius has announced a suspension of all flights until further notice, reflecting the seriousness of the situation and the need for precautionary measures. The governments of both islands are taking necessary actions to safeguard public safety in the face of the cyclone’s impending arrival.
In conclusion, the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and La Réunion are currently bracing for the imminent arrival of Cyclone Garance, classified as a class 3 cyclone. With significant wind gusts and heavy rainfall expected, both islands have implemented airport closures and safety alerts. The situation remains fluid as authorities prioritize public safety and preparedness measures in the path of the cyclone.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
