Cyclone Belal Brings Torrential Rain and Flooding to Mauritius and Réunion

Torrential rain and flooding have hit the islands of Mauritius and Réunion in the Indian Ocean as Cyclone Belal makes its way across the region. The French territory of Réunion and its population of about 860,000 were ordered to shelter at home, as the storm approached. Meanwhile, Mauritius officials warned that Cyclone Belal is expected to pass to the south of the island on Tuesday.

The storm’s arrival prompted authorities in Réunion to raise the storm alert level to violet, the highest level possible. This meant that even police and rescuers were prohibited from leaving their shelters. However, the alert level was later downgraded to red, allowing authorities to provide aid to those affected.

Although some damage has been reported in Réunion, the island appears to have been spared the worst of the cyclone, as the eye of the storm passed to the north. Jerôme Filippini, the prefect of the region, reassured the public that it did not have the catastrophic impact initially feared. Nevertheless, health officials have advised residents not to use tap water for drinking or cooking due to potential contamination.

Tragically, one person was confirmed dead in Réunion. Reports state that the victim, who was homeless, had declined emergency accommodation. In addition, approximately 25% of households on the island were left without electricity, and thousands were without running water on Monday.

The cyclone is now making its way towards neighboring Mauritius, where a cyclone warning level three out of four is in effect. The country’s meteorological service has warned that Belal poses a threat and is dangerously approaching. Cyclonic winds are projected to hit southern areas of Mauritius on Tuesday. Social media posts already show the impact of the storm, with vehicles being submerged or washed away in the capital city of Port Louis.

In anticipation of the cyclone passing to the south of the island, the UK Foreign Office has advised tourists to follow official guidance which includes staying indoors.