Cyclone Garance Threatens Mauritius and La Reunion with High Alert Measures

Cyclone Garance, a category 3 storm, threatens Mauritius and La Reunion, prompting high alert. Airports in both regions are closing, and residents are stockpiling essentials as severe weather is anticipated, including strong winds and flooding. Authorities have implemented a red alert, with precautionary measures in effect to safeguard the populations.

Cyclone Garance, classified as a category 3 cyclone, poses a significant threat to the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and La Reunion, prompting authorities to place both locations on high alert. With wind gusts reaching 70 kilometers per hour, measures are being taken to prepare for the storm, including stockpiling essential goods by residents. The cyclone is currently situated 310 kilometers northwest of Mauritius and is expected to bring flooding and dangerous weather conditions.

As a precaution, Mauritius shut down its main airport on Wednesday, while La Reunion officials announced plans to close theirs on Thursday. The Mauritius Meteorological Service confirmed that the cyclone is making a dangerous approach toward Mauritius, likely passing between the two islands. La Reunion is expected to declare a “red alert” to warn residents to remain indoors as the cyclone approaches.

The expected trajectory places Cyclone Garance within 50 kilometers of La Reunion between Thursday evening and Friday morning, with potential impacts also affecting the island. Météo-France has cautioned that areas of La Reunion could experience wind gusts exceeding 150 kilometers per hour, alongside heavy rainfall and rough sea conditions. Currently, heavy cloud cover is present, but significant rainfall has not yet occurred.

Authorities indicated that the red alert would officially commence at 7:00 PM, coinciding with the cyclone’s closest approach to the islands. This alert mandates that residents remain indoors, allowing only emergency services to operate. To prepare, many citizens are engaging in last-minute shopping for essentials, leading to long lines at local stores.

Residents are purchasing bottled water, canned goods, and batteries, demonstrating rising urgency as the cyclone nears. One shopper, Franck Vitry, remarked on his miscalculation of the time available to prepare, resulting in an unexpectedly lengthy wait to checkout. Meanwhile, families are preparing activities to occupy children during the quarantine period imposed by the red alert.

In coastal areas, fishermen are securing their boats and nets, while local farmers are taking precautions to protect their crops from potential hurricane-force winds. Farmer Jean-Christophe Hoareau expressed his reluctance to sacrifice his cucumber vines but acknowledged the need to safeguard his greenhouses. The island had previously experienced devastation during Cyclone Belal in January 2024, resulting in significant loss of life and property damage.

In summary, Cyclone Garance has been designated a direct threat to the islands of Mauritius and La Reunion, leading to heightened alert and precautionary measures. With airport closures and a call for residents to remain indoors, both communities are preparing for possible flooding and storm damage. Historical precedents underscore the seriousness of the situation, as past cyclones have resulted in tragic outcomes and extensive destruction.

Original Source: www.france24.com