Cyclone Garance Triggers High Alert in Indian Ocean Tourist Islands

Mauritius and Reunion Island have declared high alert statuses due to Cyclone Garance, a category 3 storm with winds of up to 200 km/h. Airports have been closed, and residents are advised to stay indoors. The cyclone poses a direct threat with potential flooding anticipated as it moves southward toward these tourist destinations.

Tourist islands in the Indian Ocean, namely Mauritius and Reunion, have activated a heightened state of alert due to the approach of Cyclone Garance, classified as a category 3 storm with winds peaking at 200 km/h. In response to this severe tropical threat, Reunion Island has raised its alert level to the highest classification and has shut down its airports.

On Wednesday, Mauritius closed its main airport, while Reunion Island was also expected to follow suit by Thursday. The local authorities announced a ‘purple alert’ indicating that the islands are facing significant impact, including wind gusts exceeding 200 km/h. Public safety measures are being implemented as flooding is anticipated due to the cyclone’s intensity.

The Mauritius Meteorological Service has reported that the cyclone, located 310 kilometers northwest of Mauritius, poses a direct threat to the islands in its current trajectory. Initially moving eastward, Garance has now shifted southward, with expectations to pass dangerously close to Reunion, within 50 kilometers, between Thursday evening and Friday morning. Residents of Reunion, approximately 900,000 people, are urged to stay indoors as a precautionary measure against the storm’s impacts.

Previously, in January 2024, a red cyclone warning was issued for Reunion Island during Cyclone Belal, which unfortunately resulted in fatalities and substantial damage. Authorities are now working to mitigate potential risks posed by Cyclone Garance and ensure the safety of all residents in the affected areas.

In summary, both Mauritius and Reunion Island are under significant threat from Cyclone Garance, prompting the highest level of alert. As safety measures are enforced, local authorities are ensuring that the public remains informed and is advised to seek shelter. The cyclone’s path suggests it will cause severe weather conditions for both islands, highlighting the need for preparedness and community resilience during such natural disasters.

Original Source: unn.ua