A tropical storm dubbed Cyclone Garance is expected to make landfall on islands of Mauritius and La Reunion in the Indian Ocean, posing a significant threat to local residents. The cyclone, classified as a class 3 cyclone by Mauritius, is heading south towards both islands, with gusts reaching up to 70 kph and potentially exceeding 150 kph at La Reunion’s highest points.
Mauritius has shut its main airport due to the storm, while La Reunion is set to follow suit on Thursday. The French island’s local prefect has declared a red alert, requiring residents to stay indoors and limiting emergency services. Schools have already been closed since Wednesday afternoon, with all flights suspended by Air Mauritius.
The cyclone’s peak intensity is expected late at night, with heavy rain and rough seas forecast for both islands. Meteo-France warned that the “expected scenario” is a direct impact on Reunion Island, but cautioned that the storm’s path and intensity could still change.
Source: https://www.voanews.com/a/mauritius-la-reunion-brace-for-dangerous-cyclone/7989831.html