Cyclone Garance Brings Travel Chaos to Mauritius and La Reunion

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The Indian Ocean tourist destinations of Mauritius and La Reunion are preparing for the impact of Cyclone Garance, which has been labeled a "direct threat" to the islands. The cyclone, which is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds, has prompted the closure of airports and the suspension of flights, leaving many tourists stranded. The Mauritius Meteorological Service has issued a class 3 cyclone warning, the second-highest alert level, with gusts of up to 70 kph expected. The cyclone is currently located 310 kilometers northwest of Mauritius and is expected to pass between the island and the French island of La Reunion.

The situation is dire, with local authorities issuing evacuation alerts in low-lying coastal areas and urging residents and tourists to seek higher ground and take precautionary measures to ensure their safety. The cyclone is expected to bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and storm surges, posing a significant threat to life and property. The peak intensity of the cyclone is expected late in the day or into the night, according to the French weather service Meteo-France. The "expected scenario is a direct impact on Reunion Island," said a spokesperson for Meteo-France, but added that the intensity and path of the cyclone could still change.

British tourists are among the hardest hit, with flights back to the UK indefinitely suspended. Travel chaos is intensifying as airlines struggle to manage the overwhelming surge of inquiries and rebooking requests. Tourists are being urged to contact their airlines for the latest updates, but many are reporting hours-long waits and unresponsive customer service hotlines. The Foreign Office has issued an urgent warning to Brits in Mauritius, advising them to stay in a safe place and follow instructions from local authorities. The advisory has heightened anxiety among tourists, many of whom are struggling to find secure shelter as the storm's approach becomes increasingly imminent.

The following is a timeline of events: * February 26: The Mauritius Meteorological Service issues a class 3 cyclone warning * February 26: Air Mauritius suspends all flights at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport * February 27: The cyclone is expected to pass between Mauritius and La Reunion * February 27: The peak intensity of the cyclone is expected late in the day or into the night * February 27: The Foreign Office issues an urgent warning to Brits in Mauritius. Multiple stakeholder views include: * The Mauritius Meteorological Service: The cyclone is a "direct threat" to the islands * Meteo-France: The "expected scenario is a direct impact on Reunion Island" * The Foreign Office: Brits in Mauritius should stay in a safe place and follow instructions from local authorities. Policy points include: * The closure of airports and the suspension of flights * The issuance of evacuation alerts in low-lying coastal areas * The urging of residents and tourists to seek higher ground and take precautionary measures to ensure their safety. Statistical data includes: * Gusts of up to 70 kph expected * Heavy rainfall and flooding expected * Storm surges expected to pose a significant threat to life and property.

The storm is expected to have a significant impact on the islands, with the potential for property damage, flooding, and coastal erosion. The tourist industry is likely to be severely affected, with many hotels and resorts located in low-lying coastal areas. The situation is being closely monitored by local authorities and weather services, who are providing regular updates and warnings to residents and tourists. As the cyclone approaches, residents and tourists are being urged to take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety, including seeking shelter in safe locations and avoiding travel unless absolutely necessary.