Cyclone Belal Causes Devastating Floods in Mauritius

Heavy flooding has hit the beautiful island of Mauritius as Tropical Cyclone Belal approaches. The island nation, already affected by heavy rains and strong winds, is bracing itself for the arrival of the cyclone, which has already caused devastation in the French overseas territory of Reunion.

Images circulating on local media show cars submerged under a brown deluge of floodwater or piled up on the streets of Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. The Mauritius Meteorological Services (MMS) has issued a class 3 cyclone warning, advising the public to take shelter as torrential rain conditions are expected in the coming hours.

The international airport has been closed until further notice, and banks, government offices, and other private businesses have also shut down and sent their staff home.

Mauritius, with its stunning white beaches and crystal-clear waters, attracts tourists from around the world. However, the island is no stranger to cyclones, as around a dozen storms or cyclones occur each year in the southwest Indian Ocean during the November-April season.

One person has tragically lost their life in Reunion due to Cyclone Belal, and another person has died in Mauritius. A quarter of households in Reunion are currently without electricity, and thousands are without running water. The storm is expected to pass to the south of Mauritius on Tuesday.

The UK Foreign Office has advised tourists to follow official guidance and stay indoors. The authorities in Reunion had raised the storm alert level to violet, the highest level, but it has now been lowered to red after the island was spared the worst of the cyclone.