Mauritius and La Reunion Brace for Cyclone Garance Threat

Cyclone Garance threatens Mauritius and La Reunion, leading to airport closures and a red alert. With wind gusts forecasted at 70 km/h, residents are preparing for potential flooding and damaging weather. Authorities stress safety as they recall the severe impacts of past cyclones.

On February 27, 2025, the islands of Mauritius and La Reunion in the Indian Ocean are on high alert due to Cyclone Garance, an intense tropical storm classified as a “direct threat” to these tourist destinations. Authorities in Mauritius have already shut down the main airport, with La Reunion also planning to close its airport shortly thereafter.

Classified as a category 3 cyclone, Garance is expected to produce wind gusts of up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) per hour. The Mauritius Meteorological Service has indicated that the cyclone is positioned 310 kilometers (190 miles) northwest of Mauritius, becoming an “intense tropical storm” and signaling potential flooding as it approaches the islands.

The cyclone is on a path that curves southward, likely passing between Mauritius and La Reunion. Government representatives in La Reunion announced plans to declare a “red alert” and close the airport, which would restrict movement on the island to emergency services only as the storm’s closest approach is anticipated early Friday.

Meteorologists at Meteo-France have warned about possible direct impacts on La Reunion, with predictions of gusts exceeding 150 kilometers per hour at elevated locations, as well as heavy rainfall and rough seas. Heavy clouds were already visible over La Reunion in the morning hours, but significant rainfall had not yet occurred, and the cyclone remained approximately 300 kilometers offshore as of midday.

Authorities confirmed that the red alert would take effect at 7:00 PM, prompting many residents to prepare by stocking essential supplies. Supermarkets experienced long lines as locals purchased items like bottled water, batteries, and non-perishable food to prepare for the impending storm.

Franck Vitry, a local shopper, expressed frustration at underestimating the urgency of his shopping needs, stating, “I thought I had plenty of time to do my shopping, but I was wrong.” Others focused on buying baking supplies to entertain children during the lockdown, while fishermen secured their boats and farmers in La Reunion took precautions to protect their crops from potential damage.

The last red cyclone alert in La Reunion occurred in January 2024 when Cyclone Belal struck, resulting in four fatalities and substantial economic damage estimated at 100 million euros ($104 million).

Cyclone Garance poses a severe threat to both Mauritius and La Reunion, prompting airport closures and the declaration of a red alert. The storm’s approach has led to widespread preparations among residents, with many stocking up on essential supplies due to expected flooding and damaging winds. Authorities are emphasizing safety measures while recalling the devastating impact of previous cyclones in the region.

Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com