Mauritius and La Réunion Prepare for Impact of Cyclone Garance

Mauritius and La Réunion are under high alert due to Cyclone Garance, classified as a category 3 cyclone. The main airport in Mauritius has closed, and La Réunion will cease operations on Thursday as well. Wind gusts are expected to reach up to 150 kilometers per hour, with heavy rainfall anticipated. Residents must remain indoors under a red alert, and Air Mauritius has suspended all flights.

The islands of Mauritius and La Réunion in the Indian Ocean are on high alert as Cyclone Garance, a formidable tropical storm, poses a significant threat to these popular tourist destinations. The authorities in Mauritius have closed the main airport since Wednesday, and La Réunion is preparing to follow suit by closing its airport on Thursday.

Mauritius has categorized Garance as a category 3 cyclone, the second highest level on the alert scale, with forecasts predicting gusts of wind reaching up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) per hour. The Mauritius Meteorological Service has reported that the cyclone is currently located 310 kilometers (190 miles) northwest of the island and poses a direct threat, with expectations of flooding to occur.

The trajectory of Cyclone Garance has shifted from an initial eastward path to a southward direction, now positioning it to pass between Mauritius and La Réunion. A governmental representative from La Réunion confirmed that a “red alert” will be issued and that the island’s airport will close on Thursday in response to the impending storm.

Forecasts indicate that the cyclone may come within 50 kilometers of La Réunion between Thursday evening and Friday morning, according to a statement issued by the prefecture. Metéo-France has warned that the region could experience a direct impact, with wind gusts potentially exceeding 150 kilometers per hour at elevated locations, coupled with heavy rainfall and turbulent seas.

As part of the precautions, a red alert will mandate that residents remain indoors, allowing only emergency services to operate. Classes have already been suspended in schools across the islands as of Wednesday afternoon. Additionally, Air Mauritius has announced the cessation of all flights “until further notice.”

In conclusion, Mauritius and La Réunion are facing imminent threats from Cyclone Garance, with both islands implementing rigorous safety measures including airport closures and the issuance of a red alert. Residents are advised to stay indoors as the cyclone’s approach brings the potential for severe weather conditions, including damaging winds, flooding, and rough seas. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to ensure public safety.

Original Source: newscentral.africa