Mauritius and La Réunion Prepare for Impact of Cyclone Garance
Mauritius and La Réunion are on high alert due to Cyclone Garance, classified as a class 3 cyclone. Mauritius has closed its main airport, while La Réunion is set to follow. The cyclone poses risks of severe winds, flooding, and has triggered a red alert, requiring residents to stay indoors.
The islands of Mauritius and La Réunion in the Indian Ocean are currently on high alert due to Cyclone Garance, which is considered a significant threat to these popular tourist destinations. Ahead of the cyclone’s anticipated impact, Mauritius has already closed its primary airport, while La Réunion is preparing to enact similar measures.
Garance has been classified as a class 3 cyclone, representing the second-highest alert level, with wind gusts predicted to reach up to 70 kilometers per hour (43 miles per hour). According to the Mauritius Meteorological Service, as the cyclone was situated approximately 310 kilometers (190 miles) from Mauritius, it posed a considerable risk of flooding as it approached the islands.
Initially traveling eastward, Cyclone Garance has shifted south, positioning it to pass between Mauritius and La Réunion. A government representative for La Réunion confirmed the issuance of a red alert, leading to the airport’s closure scheduled for Thursday as a precautionary measure.
On its projected trajectory, Garance is expected to come within 50 kilometers of La Réunion overnight from Thursday to Friday. The prefecture’s statement warned that the cyclone may exert a direct impact on La Réunion, with gusts potentially exceeding 150 kilometers per hour in higher elevations, along with severe rain and turbulent seas.
The red alert status mandates that residents remain indoors, with only emergency services authorized to navigate the island. Schools in La Réunion had already suspended operations by Wednesday afternoon. Additionally, Air Mauritius has announced a suspension of all flights until further notice.
In summary, the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and La Réunion are bracing for the approach of Cyclone Garance, which has prompted significant preventative measures, including airport closures and a state of emergency. With the cyclone classified at a high alert level and expected to cause severe weather conditions, both governments are prioritizing the safety and well-being of their residents and visitors.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
