Mauritius Airport to Close as Tropical Storm Garance Intensifies

Mauritius will shut down its sole airport as storm Garance intensifies, with a Class III cyclone warning issued. This closure affects banks and non-essential services, as conditions worsen. The storm is expected to escalate, bringing strong winds, while the country contends with unusually low rainfall, prompting water usage restrictions.

Mauritius will close its sole airport starting Wednesday evening due to the intensification of tropical storm Garance, which has prompted a Class III cyclone warning from the national meteorological services for the first time this summer. The duration of the airport closure is indefinite, pending further developments regarding the storm’s trajectory and impact.

In addition, banks, the stock exchange, and non-essential service offices are closed today as it coincides with a public holiday. These services will remain suspended as long as the cyclone warning is enforced, ensuring public safety amid the worsening weather conditions.

As of now, Garance is classified as a severe tropical storm off the northwestern coast of Mauritius and is anticipated to escalate to tropical-cyclone strength, with wind speeds possibly reaching up to 165 kilometers (102 miles) per hour. This weather phenomenon poses a direct threat to the island nation, according to the meteorological authorities.

Although January typically experiences the highest rainfall, this year has seen the second-driest conditions in 25 years, with rainfall levels at merely 30% of the historical average. This situation has led the Mauritian government to impose restrictions on non-essential water usage due to diminishing water reserves in major reservoirs.

The situation is being monitored closely, and further updates will be provided as necessary. The safety and well-being of the public remain the highest priority as preparations are made for any potential adverse effects of tropical storm Garance.

In summary, the sole airport in Mauritius is closing due to the impending threat of tropical storm Garance, which has been categorized with a high cyclone warning. With severe weather conditions expected, essential services are already being suspended, reflecting the government’s commitment to public safety. The ongoing dry spell and water usage restrictions further underscore the challenges faced by the island nation during this meteorological event.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com