MAURITIUS UNDER CYCLONE THREAT AS TROPICAL DEPRESSION APPROACHES
The island nation of Mauritius has been placed on alert as meteorologists predict Tropical Depression No. 10 could transforminto a cyclone within days, with potentially severe weather impact to follow.
Authorities have placed Mauritius and neighboring La Réunion under pre-alert status amid uncertainty surrounding the cyclone's path. At 4 am on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the tropical depression was located approximately 630 kilometers northwest of Mauritius' coast, according to the Mauritius Meteorological Service.
The current warning is classified as level 2 on a scale of four, signaling to residents to prepare emergency kits and supplies as well as stay tuned to weather updates via radio and television. "They're telling us to check our emergency kits and keep enough drinking water on hand. It's serious out there," mentioned one concerned citizen.
The weather outlook for the day remained relatively calm, with the sun shining over Mauritius, but forecasters cautioned of rising humidity levels. The meteorological service indicated heightened wind speeds up to 60 kilometers per hour later on. Isolated thunderstorms are also expected to develop later this evening.
According to Météo France, which collaborates with local meteorologists, the storm is anticipated to intensify as it nears the islands. Current winds are measured between 55 to 75 kilometers per hour, but this is expected to change as the system approaches. The possibility of the system making its final descent between Wednesday and Thursday has led to significant concern among citizens.
A tropical storm classification is projected to be reached between Tuesday evening and Wednesday, as the system takes on more strength. It’s unclear precisely how this will impact the region, but there are warnings of heavy rains, particularly from Wednesday night to Thursday. Localized flooding remains a significant worry as forecasters predict stronger rains than winds will affect the islands.
"We must complete our preliminary precautions as the system might bring along consistent rainfall," advised a spokesperson from Mauritius' meteorological service, emphasizing the need for residents to remain vigilant and prepared.
Education facilities including schools and universities have been closed as part of readiness measures established by the government. Residents are advised to heed official communications and stay indoors as winds are expected to escalate to 120 kilometers per hour by the time the system arrives.
Although the cyclone appears small at this time, its slow movement poses risks of enduring adverse weather, prolonging the ordeal for residents attempting to secure their properties and businesses. Though the system is projected to pass directly between Mauritius and La Réunion, the anticipated impact suggests weather issues will extend significantly beyond the storm center.
The cyclonic risk for the region typically peaks between November and April, making this development not entirely unpredictable, though the exact timing of the storm’s intensification and arrival remains uncertain.
This pre-alert serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by tropical systems, fundamental to the region's climate during the cyclone season.
Residents are urged to stay tuned for updates until the threat has passed, and to remain equipped for contingencies as the threat of the tropical depression looms over the region.
With the expected deterioration of weather conditions, emergency services and local authorities have mobilized preparation efforts to mitigate risks as much as possible. Everyone is advised to remain alert and ready as forecasts continue to update.