Mauritius and Reunion Island are on high alert due to Cyclone Garance, categorized as a severe tropical storm with wind speeds up to 200 km/h. Both islands have closed their airports and issued maximum-level alerts as they prepare for possible flooding and direct impact. Residents have been urged to remain indoors until the threat is over.
Tourist destinations Mauritius and Reunion Island are currently under a heightened state of alert due to the impending arrival of the powerful cyclone Garance, categorized as a severe tropical storm. Wind speeds associated with the storm are reported to reach up to 200 km/h. Consequently, airports in both islands are facing closures; Mauritius closed its main airport on Wednesday in anticipation of the storm’s impact, while Reunion Island was expected to follow suit shortly thereafter.
On Friday, authorities in Reunion Island declared a maximum-level “purple alert” as the cyclone approaches. The press release from the prefecture indicated, “Faced with direct impact, with wind gusts of more than 200 km/h, the prefect will issue a purple alert.” The Mauritius Meteorological Service identified that Garance is approximately 310 kilometers northwest of Mauritius, posing a significant and direct threat to the region with expectations of severe flooding.
Initially moving eastward, Garance has altered its course south and is predicted to pass closely between the two islands. It is anticipated to come within 50 kilometers of Reunion Island between Thursday evening and Friday morning. Meteo-France has issued warnings about a potential “direct impact” on Reunion, urging the local populace, approximately 900,000 residents, to stay indoors to ensure their safety.
In summary, both Mauritius and Reunion are in a state of heightened alert due to the imminent arrival of Cyclone Garance. Authorities have implemented significant precautionary measures, including airport closures and public safety advisories. The storm poses a severe threat with potential flooding, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the recommendations provided by meteorological services for the safety of the residents.
Original Source: unn.ua
