Mauritius and La Reunion Brace for Threatening Cyclone Garance

Cyclone Garance is intensifying and poses a direct threat to Mauritius and La Reunion, leading to closed airports and canceled flights. Authorities have issued a red alert, advising residents to remain indoors in anticipation of severe weather, including heavy rain and strong winds reaching 150 kph. Schools are closed, and emergency services are on standby as the storm approaches.

Mauritius and La Reunion are preparing for the impending impact of Cyclone Garance, which has been identified as a significant threat to both islands. The Mauritius government shut down its main airport a day prior, while La Reunion is expected to follow suit. Cyclone Garance is categorized as a class 3 cyclone, the second-highest level of alert, with anticipated wind gusts reaching 70 kph.

As of now, Cyclone Garance is located approximately 310 kilometers northwest of Mauritius and has intensified into a perilous tropical storm. The Mauritius Meteorological Service has marked the cyclone as dangerously approaching the islands, forecasting potential flooding due to heavy rainfall. The cyclone’s path has bent southward, likely impacting both islands as it moves eastward.

The peak intensity of Cyclone Garance is projected for Thursday evening or night, according to Meteo-France. Significant wind gusts exceeding 150 kph are possible in high-altitude areas of La Reunion, coupled with torrential rain and tumultuous seas. A red alert will prompt the population to remain indoors, limiting movement to emergency services only.

As a precaution, schools in the region have already closed since Wednesday afternoon. Air Mauritius has suspended all flights indefinitely, as the islands brace for the storm’s impact. The regional meteorological office emphasizes that the cyclone’s trajectory and intensity may continue to evolve as the situation develops.

Cyclone Garance poses a serious threat to Mauritius and La Reunion, leading to significant preparations including airport closures and school cancellations. With expected dangerous weather conditions and wind gusts, the local authorities are urging residents to stay indoors under the impending red alert. The situation remains fluid as the cyclone approaches, and updates continue to emerge from meteorological services.

Original Source: www.voanews.com