Mauritius Closes Sole Airport Amid Rising Threat from Tropical Storm Garance

Mauritius will shut down its sole airport due to Tropical Storm Garance, which has reached a Class III cyclone warning. Essential services are temporarily closed, and the storm is expected to bring severe wind conditions. The country faces water restrictions following a notably dry January, exacerbating the situation as authorities prepare for the storm’s impact.

Mauritius is set to close its sole airport starting Wednesday evening due to the intensification of Tropical Storm Garance, which has prompted the meteorological services to issue a Class III cyclone warning for the first time this summer season. This closure will be effective until further notice, prioritizing public safety in anticipation of potentially severe weather conditions.

Consequently, banks, the stock exchange, and offices offering non-essential services are currently closed in observance of a public holiday. Should the cyclone warning remain active, these establishments will continue to be shuttered, ensuring compliance with safety protocols during the storm’s approach.

Tropical Storm Garance is currently situated off the northwestern coast of Mauritius and is expected to escalate to tropical cyclone status. Meteorological services have indicated that wind speeds may reach up to 165 kilometers (102 miles) per hour, signifying a significant threat to the island’s inhabitants and infrastructure.

Despite the typical rainy conditions of January, the country has faced an exceptionally dry period, with rainfall recorded at just 30% of the long-term average, marking it as the second-driest in 25 years. This alarming trend has resulted in the government implementing restrictions on water usage for non-essential activities to cope with decreasing reservoir levels.

The potential onset of severe weather conditions due to Tropical Storm Garance illustrates the vulnerability of Mauritius to natural disasters. The government’s caution can be seen in its proactive measures to safeguard public welfare through the closure of key services and the imposition of water usage restrictions as a preparatory response to this impending storm.

In conclusion, Mauritius is taking necessary precautions in anticipation of Tropical Storm Garance, which poses a direct threat to the island. The closure of the airport, financial institutions, and non-essential services reflect the seriousness of the cyclone warning. Furthermore, the historically low rainfall has raised additional concerns about water resources, necessitating restrictions on usage. Such measures are critical in ensuring public safety and resilience during natural threats.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com