Cyclone Garance is wreaking havoc on Mauritius, leading to the closure of the island's sole international airport and raising serious concerns for the tourism sector.
On Wednesday night, local meteorological services began issuing warnings about the approaching cyclone, which, as of Thursday, was approximately 275 kilometers northwest of Mauritius, with maximum wind gusts reaching 194 kilometers per hour, categorizing it as equivalent to a Category Three hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
"Cyclone is dangerously approaching Mauritius and poses a direct threat," the meteorological service confirmed, indicating the need for immediate preparedness among residents and tourists alike.
The lone airport on Mauritius, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, has been ordered to close until the storm passes, inhibiting any flights to or from the island. Authorities on the nearby French island of Reunion made the same decision, mirroring the urgent need for safety.
"People planning to travel are advised to contact airlines for more information about flight status and not to go to the airport until they receive confirmation of changed departure times," warned Airports of Mauritius (AML) on social media.
Tourists currently on the island have been asked to stay away from the shores of the ocean. The officials encourage them to remain indoors as they brace for severe weather conditions, including floods, high winds, and possible power and water supply outages.
Last year, Mauritius attracted nearly 1.4 million tourists, including over 11,000 from Poland, contributing significantly to its economy. The tourism sector is now facing uncertainty as many travelers will have to extend their stays due to the cyclone's disruption.
Mr. Krzysztof, who spends his winters on the island, shared his perspective on the situation, stating to Radio ZET, "It is currently very calm here, even though there's been some rain. It's just stormy with occasional lightning, but nothing is breaking. Everything is closed down, including the airport." He went on to say, "Tomorrow, the airport might open around noon, as the cyclone is shifting direction toward Reunion."
Despite authorities announcing the third level of threat due to the cyclone, many tourists appear to be frustrated with the closures affecting their holiday plans.
"It's very quiet here, but tourists are somewhat angry because everything is closed," he remarked, contrasting the unsettling atmosphere with the cyclone's perceived intensity.
The meteorological service has reiterated warnings about potential flooding and has advised residents and visitors to stay home and rely on telecommunications only for emergencies. Both Mauritius and Reunion authorities have ordered residents to stay indoors for safety.
Given the forecast of intense rain and wind, Mauritius is bracing for the worst as Cyclone Garance nears. The local authorities stress on preparing for any disruption to electricity and water supplies, highlighting the importance of community resilience during such events.
This cyclone not only poses immediate risks but also presents long-term challenges for the tourism industry, which has historically served as a backbone of the island's economy. With uncertain weather conditions, many hope the storm will diminish before causing extensive damage.
For those watching from afar, Mauritius's current plight under Cyclone Garance brings forward the question of how resilient the island's infrastructure can be to natural disasters and what steps will be taken to safeguard its vibrant tourism-dependent economy against future threats.
While the storm's full impact remains to be seen, all eyes are on Mauritius as they face this formidable act of nature.