Cyclone Garance Poses Serious Threat to Mauritius and La Reunion
Cyclone Garance is threatening the islands of Mauritius and La Reunion, leading to airport closures and a red alert in La Reunion. The cyclone has been categorized as class 3, with expected winds of up to 70 kph and potential flooding. Preparedness measures include school closures and flight suspensions as authorities emphasize safety for residents.
Mauritius and La Reunion, both popular tourist destinations in the Indian Ocean, are preparing for an impending tropical storm designated as Cyclone Garance. This storm has been identified as a “direct threat” to the islands, prompting Mauritius to close its main airport and La Reunion to follow suit with their own airport closures shortly thereafter.
As classified by the Mauritius Meteorological Service, Cyclone Garance is categorized as a class 3 cyclone, the second-highest alert level. Winds of up to 70 kilometers per hour are anticipated as the cyclone moves dangerously closer, located 310 kilometers northwest of Mauritius. Authorities warn that flooding may occur as the cyclone approaches.
Although Cyclone Garance is initially veering east, it has shifted south, indicating it will pass between Mauritius and La Reunion. Officials on La Reunion, where a red alert is anticipated, have begun preparations, including the closure of their airport. Meteorologists expect the peak intensity of the cyclone to occur later today or into the night.
Celine Jauffray from Meteo-France indicated, “The expected scenario is a direct impact on Reunion Island,” while cautioning that the cyclone’s trajectory and strength might still fluctuate. La Reunion may experience wind gusts exceeding 150 kilometers per hour, along with heavy rainfall and turbulent seas. As part of the red alert measures, residents are advised to remain indoors, with emergency services being the only entities permitted to travel.
In the lead-up to the storm, schools in La Reunion preemptively closed on Wednesday afternoon, and Air Mauritius has announced an indefinite suspension of all flights. Authorities stress the importance of preparedness as Cyclone Garance poses a significant threat to both island communities.
In summary, Cyclone Garance poses a significant risk to the islands of Mauritius and La Reunion, leading to airport closures and public safety measures. With anticipated wind gusts and heavy rainfall, the authorities are urging citizens to remain indoors and stay informed about updates. The situation is dynamic, and ongoing monitoring will determine the storm’s impact as it approaches.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
