Tropical Storm Garance Causes Airport Closures and Travel Alerts in Mauritius

Tropical Storm Garance has caused the closure of Mauritius’ main airport and a travel alert from the UK Foreign Office. Flights have been suspended until conditions improve, and travelers are urged to contact airlines. La Reunion is preparing for a lockdown as the storm approaches, with local residents advised to stay sheltered and manage resources wisely.

Tropical Storm Garance has forced the closure of Mauritius’ main international airport due to severe weather conditions that include high winds and heavy rainfall. The airport ceased operations on Wednesday afternoon, February 26, and will remain closed until further notice. Travelers have been advised to contact their respective airlines for updates regarding their flights.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning for United Kingdom nationals in Mauritius, urging them to remain in a safe place and adhere to local authorities’ instructions. “We understand that delays can be inconvenient, and we will reschedule our flights as soon as the airport is operational, and weather conditions permit,” stated Air Mauritius, the national airline. Additionally, the airline is offering complimentary changes for travel dates until March 31, 2025.

Preparations are underway on the French island of La Reunion, which is expected to undergo a complete lockdown as the cyclone nears its coastline on Thursday, February 27. Local officials have instructed residents to remain indoors and brace for potential power and water outages. Communication should be limited to necessary updates, and continuous monitoring of the weather is encouraged.

The prefect of La Reunion indicated that once the cyclone has passed, services related to crisis management would conduct evaluations. He emphasized that the lockdown and corresponding red alert would only be lifted once safety conditions are fully assessed and guaranteed.

In summary, the impact of Tropical Storm Garance has led to the closure of Mauritius’ main international airport and prompted a travel advisory for UK nationals. Air Mauritius is accommodating affected passengers, while La Reunion prepares for a lockdown as the cyclone approaches. Local authorities are prioritizing safety and proper management of the situation as it unfolds.

Original Source: www.ttgmedia.com