Mauritius and La Reunion are on high alert due to Cyclone Garance, a class 3 cyclone, prompting airport closures and a red alert for residents. The cyclone poses a direct threat with expected gusts up to 70 km/h and potential flooding. Affected communities are shopping for essential goods ahead of the storm’s arrival.
On February 27, 2025, the islands of Mauritius and La Reunion were placed on high alert due to the imminent threat of Cyclone Garance, categorized as a class 3 cyclone. Reports indicated that the cyclone was located 310 kilometers northwest of Mauritius, characterized by expected gusts reaching up to 70 kilometers per hour, and flooding was anticipated. As a precaution, the main airport in Mauritius was closed on Wednesday, with La Reunion’s airport expected to follow suit on Thursday.
Cyclone Garance appeared to be dangerously approaching Mauritius and posed a direct threat to the tourist destinations in both islands. The cyclone’s trajectory shifted southward, potentially passing within 50 kilometers of La Reunion from Thursday evening to Friday morning. Meteo-France highlighted the possibility of a direct impact, with gusts exceeding 150 kilometers per hour at higher altitudes, alongside heavy rainfall and tumultuous seas over La Reunion.
In preparation for the cyclone, authorities in La Reunion announced the initiation of a red alert at 7:00 PM, compelling the populace to remain indoors while only emergency services would be permitted to operate. All schools had already been closed since Wednesday afternoon. Residents engaged in stocking up on essential goods, resulting in extensive queues at local supermarkets, as individuals sought bottled water, canned foods, and other necessary supplies.
Local fishermen took proactive measures by hauling their boats ashore and securing their equipment, while farmers also prepared for the cyclone by covering their greenhouses. Jean-Christophe Hoareau, a farmer from Etang-Sale-Les-Hauts, stated a preference for sacrificing crops rather than risking the destruction of vital greenhouses by gale-force winds. The most recent red alert prior to this was in January 2024 during Cyclone Belal, which resulted in significant casualties and financial loss across La Reunion.
In summary, Cyclone Garance poses a serious risk to both Mauritius and La Reunion, prompting decisive actions including airport closures and a red alert declaration. Residents are taking precautionary measures to ensure their safety, and local authorities are implementing strict regulations for emergency preparedness. This situation echoes past experiences with cyclones, underlining the need for vigilance and preparedness in these vulnerable regions.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
