Mauritius and La Réunion Brace for ‘Dangerous’ Cyclone Garance

PORT LOUIS, 27 February 2025 (BSS/AFP) – The Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and La Réunion are preparing for the impact of Cyclone Garance, an intense tropical storm that has been classified as a “direct threat” to both territories.

Authorities in Mauritius closed the country’s main airport on Wednesday, while the French island of La Réunion was set to follow suit on Thursday, as the storm’s intensity continued to increase.

Cyclone Garance Intensifies

The Mauritius Meteorological Service has issued a Class 3 cyclone warning, the second-highest alert level, with wind gusts of up to 70 km/h (43 mph) forecasted. Officials reported that as of Thursday morning, the cyclone was 310 km (190 miles) northwest of Mauritius and had strengthened into an “intense tropical storm”.

“The cyclone is dangerously approaching Mauritius and constitutes a direct threat,” the agency warned, adding that widespread flooding was expected across the island.

Garance, initially heading east, has curved south, placing both Mauritius and La Réunion in its path.

Red Alert for La Réunion

Meteorologists in La Réunion are closely monitoring the cyclone’s trajectory, with Météo-France predicting that its peak intensity will be felt late Thursday or into the night.

“The expected scenario is a direct impact on La Réunion,” said Céline Jauffray of Météo-France, though she noted that the storm’s exact intensity and path could still shift.

Wind gusts exceeding 150 km/h (93 mph) are anticipated in the island’s highest regions, accompanied by torrential rainfall and rough seas.

Local authorities are preparing to issue a Red Alert, which would require the entire population to remain indoors, with only emergency services permitted to operate.

As a precaution, all schools in La Réunion were closed from Wednesday afternoon.

Severe Travel Disruptions

With air travel heavily impacted, Air Mauritius announced that all flights had been suspended “until further notice”. La Réunion’s Roland Garros Airport was also expected to shut down by Thursday.

Wider Impact and Precautionary Measures

The Indian Ocean region is prone to tropical cyclones during this time of year, often bringing destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges. Cyclone Garance’s arrival raises concerns of landslides, widespread flooding, and power outages across the affected islands.

Residents have been urged to secure their homes, stock essential supplies, and remain indoors until the cyclone passes. Authorities are closely monitoring the storm’s progress and will issue further advisories as needed.