Tropical Storm Garance Closes Mauritius Airport and Issues Alerts for Indian Ocean Region
Tropical Storm Garance has led to the closure of Mauritius’ main international airport, prompting warnings from the FCDO for UK citizens. Air Mauritius is offering free date changes for flights until March 2025. La Reunion is set for a complete lockdown as the cyclone approaches, with residents advised to prepare for outages.
Tropical Storm Garance has forced the closure of Mauritius’ main international airport due to severe weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rain. The airport ceased operations on Wednesday afternoon (February 26) and will remain closed until further notice. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight statuses.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a safety alert for UK nationals in Mauritius, urging them to remain in safe locations and heed local authorities’ guidance. Travel disruptions are expected, and travelers should stay informed about the storm’s impact.
Air Mauritius, the national airline, is committed to rescheduling flights once the airport reopens and conditions improve. They announced that travelers wishing to alter their itineraries can change travel dates without charge for flights up to March 31, 2025.
Simultaneously, the French island of La Reunion is preparing for a complete lockdown as the cyclone approaches later on February 27. Authorities have instructed residents to remain indoors and prepare for potential power and water disruptions, using telecommunications only when essential.
The prefect of La Reunion emphasized that post-cyclone operations for crisis management will follow after the storm passes. The lockdown and accompanying red alert will be lifted only after thorough assessments ensure safety and security conditions are met.
In summary, Tropical Storm Garance has caused significant travel disruptions in Mauritius with the closure of the main airport. UK nationals are advised to stay safe and follow local guidance, with Air Mauritius providing flexible travel options. La Reunion is also bracing for severe weather with a total lockdown directive to its residents, emphasizing precautionary measures until the threat passes.
Original Source: www.ttgmedia.com
