Mauritius to Close Sole Airport as Tropical Storm ‘Garance’ Approaches

Mauritius will shut its sole airport starting Wednesday evening due to tropical storm ‘Garance,’ which has been classified as a Class III cyclone for the first time this season. The storm could bring winds of up to 165 kilometers per hour and constitutes a direct threat to the island. Additionally, rainfall has been unusually low, prompting water usage restrictions.

In response to the intensifying tropical storm ‘Garance,’ Mauritius will cease operations at its sole airport starting Wednesday evening until further notice. This decision follows the issuance of a Class III cyclone warning by the country’s meteorological services, marking the first such alert of the current summer season. Additionally, banks, the stock exchange, and offices of non-essential services are currently closed due to a public holiday and will remain shut should the warning persist.

The storm, identified as a severe tropical system off the northwestern coast of Mauritius, is expected to escalate to tropical cyclone status, with winds potentially reaching 165 kilometers (102 miles) per hour. The meteorological services have emphasized that “Garance constitutes a direct threat to the island.” This development underscores the potential for disruption and damage as the storm approaches.

Although the initial months of the year typically experience heavy rainfall, January has shown unusual dryness, recording the second-driest conditions in the past 25 years. Rainfall levels reached only 30% of the long-term average, leading the government to impose restrictions on water usage for non-essential activities due to dwindling reservoir levels.

Mauritius is taking precautionary measures in light of tropical storm ‘Garance,’ which poses a significant threat and is expected to intensify. The shutdown of the airport and other services reflects the seriousness of the situation as the island prepares for severe weather conditions. This unusual weather pattern emphasizes the ongoing challenges faced by the region due to climate variability.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com