Mauritius Airport Closure as Tropical Storm ‘Garance’ Approaches

Mauritius is set to close its only airport due to tropical storm ‘Garance’, as the meteorological services have issued a Class III cyclone warning. Garance could reach wind speeds of 165 km/h, posing a direct threat to the island. Banks and non-essential services remain closed today for a public holiday, with ongoing water usage restrictions due to recent dry conditions.

Mauritius’s sole airport will close starting Wednesday evening due to the intensifying tropical storm ‘Garance’, following the issuance of a Class III cyclone warning from the country’s meteorological services. This marks the first such warning for the current summer season, indicating potentially severe weather. As a precaution, banks, the stock exchange, and non-essential services are closed today due to a public holiday and will remain closed as long as the warning persists.

The severe tropical storm Garance is currently off the northwestern coast of Mauritius and is expected to escalate to tropical cyclone intensity, with wind speeds reaching up to 165 kilometers (102 miles) per hour. The meteorological services have stated, “Garance constitutes a direct threat to the island.”

Notably, January has recorded the second-lowest rainfall in the past 25 years, with precipitation measuring only 30% of the long-term average. This scarcity of rain has led to diminished water levels in major reservoirs, prompting the government to enforce usage restrictions for non-essential activities. The situation emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring as the storm approaches.

In summary, Mauritius is taking precautionary measures in response to tropical storm Garance, which poses a significant threat to the island. The closure of the airport and other services highlights the seriousness of the cyclone warning. The government’s water usage restrictions underscore the ongoing challenges posed by weather variability, particularly after a notably dry January.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com