Mauritius will shut down its only airport starting Wednesday evening due to a Class III cyclone warning issued for tropical storm Garance. In addition, banks and non-essential services will remain closed for a public holiday. The storm is expected to reach gale-force winds, posing a serious threat to the island.
Mauritius is preparing to close its sole airport, starting Wednesday evening and continuing until further notice, in response to an escalating cyclone warning issued by the country’s meteorological services. This marks the first Class III cyclone warning of the current summer season, highlighting the potential severity of the situation.
In addition to the airport closure, banks, the stock exchange, and non-essential service offices are also closed for a public holiday on Wednesday. Should the cyclone warning remain in effect, these entities will remain shut until further instructions are provided.
Tropical storm Garance, currently situated off the northwestern coast of Mauritius, is anticipated to escalate to tropical-cyclone status, which may involve wind speeds reaching up to 165 kilometers (102 miles) per hour. The meteorological services have indicated that “Garance constitutes a direct threat to the island.”
Historically, January is among the wettest months of the year in Mauritius; however, this January has been notably dry, with rainfall measuring only 30% of the expected average over the past 25 years. This shortage of rainfall, coupled with decreasing water levels in significant reservoirs, has compelled the government to implement restrictions on water use for non-essential activities.
In summary, Mauritius is poised for significant disruptions due to the impending impact of tropical storm Garance. The closure of the airport and non-essential services reflects the seriousness of the situation as the storm approaches. With the cyclone warning in place, it is crucial for residents and visitors to remain informed and prepared for possible emergency measures.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
