Mauritius and La Reunion Prepared for Cyclone Garance: A Community on High Alert

Mauritius and La Reunion are on high alert due to Cyclone Garance, classified as a class 3 storm. The regions have closed airports and activated red alerts, urging residents to stay indoors. Preparations include stocking up on supplies, reflecting the community’s need for safety against potential impacts. Historical instances of severe storm damage highlight the risks involved.

The Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and La Reunion are on high alert as Cyclone Garance approaches, deemed a direct threat to these tourist destinations. The main airport in Mauritius was closed on Wednesday, with La Reunion’s airport set to follow suit on Thursday. The cyclone has been classified as a class 3 system by Mauritius, bringing expected gusts of up to 70 kilometers per hour. According to the Mauritius Meteorological Service, the cyclone’s current position is approximately 310 kilometers northwest of Mauritius, intensifying into a significant tropical storm.

The cyclone is tracking east, having changed direction to curve south between Mauritius and La Reunion. A government representative from La Reunion announced that a red alert would be issued, coinciding with the airport’s closure on Thursday. Currently, the cyclone’s expected trajectory is set to bring it within 50 kilometers of La Reunion between Thursday evening and Friday morning, with authorities cautioning about a potential direct impact on the island.

Weather service Meteo-France has cautioned residents about possible gusts exceeding 150 kilometers per hour on the island’s highest elevations, coupled with heavy rainfall and turbulent seas. As of Thursday morning, heavy cloud cover was observed over La Reunion, though significant rainfall had yet to occur. With the cyclone still positioned 300 kilometers away at midday, emergency preparedness measures are being activated in anticipation of its approach.

A red alert will be officially initiated at 7:00 PM, with predictions indicating that Cyclone Garance will reach its closest point to La Reunion early Friday. Under this alert, residents are instructed to remain indoors, allowing only emergency services to operate. All schools were closed from Wednesday afternoon as part of the precautionary measures.

In response to the impending cyclone, thousands of residents in La Reunion flocked to stores to secure essential supplies, forming extensive lines at checkout. One shopper, Franck Vitry, remarked, “I thought I had plenty of time to do my shopping, but I was wrong,” highlighting the urgency. Others filled their carts with necessities like candles, batteries, and canned goods, while a mother, Maryvonne Laurent, noted, “I bought frozen puff pastry, eggs, and sugar so we can bake to keep the kids occupied during the red alert.”

Fishermen in Sainte-Marie have taken precautions by removing their boats from the water and securing their fishing gear. Meanwhile, farmers have been proactive, removing protective covers from greenhouses to prevent damage. Jean-Christophe Hoareau, a farmer from Etang-Sale-Les-Hauts, expressed, “I prefer to sacrifice cucumber vines rather than risk my greenhouses being destroyed by gale-force winds. They’re our main working tools.” The last red alert was issued in January 2024 during Cyclone Belal, which resulted in several fatalities and significant economic damage.

In conclusion, Cyclone Garance poses a severe threat to the islands of Mauritius and La Reunion, prompting heightened alertness and precautionary measures. The authorities have closed airports and issued a red alert, advising residents to remain indoors. The community is proactively preparing by stocking up on essential goods as the cyclone approaches. Historical context shows that previous cyclones have caused considerable damage, further emphasizing the seriousness of the current situation.

Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com