Cyclone Garance, a category 3 storm, is threatening Mauritius and La Reunion, prompting both islands to issue high alerts and close airports. The Mauritius Meteorological Service warns of imminent flooding as the cyclone approaches. Residents are responding by stocking up on supplies ahead of a forecasted impact, with a red alert declared in preparation for the storm’s landfall.
Cyclone Garance, classified as a category 3 cyclone and associated with gusts reaching 70 kilometers per hour, poses a direct threat to the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and La Reunion, placing them on high alert. In response, Mauritius has closed its main airport, and La Reunion has declared plans to follow suit. The Mauritius Meteorological Service has characterized the cyclone as an intense tropical storm, situated 310 kilometers northwest of Mauritius, and warned that flooding is expected as it approaches the islands.
Currently, Cyclone Garance is on a trajectory that will bring it within 50 kilometers of La Reunion between Thursday evening and Friday morning. The local government has announced the enactment of a “red alert,” requiring residents to remain indoors while only emergency services may operate. In preparation, all schools were closed from the previous afternoon, triggering a rush among residents to stock up on essentials.
As the public prepares for the impending weather events, reports indicate significant queues at stores as residents purchase food and other necessary supplies. One shopper, seeking water, remarked on the urgency of the situation: “It took me 30 seconds to grab the water, and I’ve been waiting in line to pay for 10 minutes.” Others rushed to acquire non-perishables and household items necessary for an extended stay at home.
Fishermen on La Reunion are taking precautionary measures by securing their boats, while farmers are proactively protecting their crops. One farmer stated, “I prefer to sacrifice cucumber vines rather than risk my greenhouses being destroyed by gale-force winds.” This response reflects the prior experiences of the residents, who remember the devastating impacts of Cyclone Belal in January 2024.
The current cyclone risk has led to heightened vigilance amongst residents, with the red alert expected to be triggered at 7:00 PM, just before the cyclone makes its closest approach to the island. The community’s preparations highlight the seriousness of the storm’s threat and the need for careful disaster readiness in anticipation of Cyclone Garance’s landfall.
The imminent arrival of Cyclone Garance has placed Mauritius and La Reunion under severe alert, prompting both regions to implement precautionary measures, including airport closures and a call for residents to secure supplies. The cyclone poses a flood risk and is expected to impact the islands significantly in the coming days. The historical context of past cyclones reminds the population of the potential dangers they face.
Original Source: www.france24.com
