Mauritius will shut down its only airport from Wednesday evening until further notice after the country’s meteorological services issued a Class III cyclone warning the summer season’s first.
Severe Tropical Storm Garance, currently off the northwestern coast of the island, will develop into a tropical cyclone with a chance of 165-kilometer (102-mile) per hour wind speed. The storm has been announced to be directly threatening the nation by the authorities.
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As a precautionary measure, the banks, the stock exchange, and offices providing non-essential services will be closed. Since Wednesday itself is a holiday, these buildings will not be opened if the warning for the cyclone remains in effect.
Mauritius also has been experiencing abnormally dry conditions. While January is typically one of the wettest months, this year was the second-driest January since 25 years ago, with only 30% of the long-term average precipitation. The resulting decline in water levels in major reservoirs led the government to impose measures to limit non-essential water use.
Authorities are still closely monitoring the situation, advising citizens to exercise proper caution as Cyclone Garance is strengthening.
