Heavy floods have hit the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius, anticipating tropical cyclone Belal which is “dangerously approaching” after already hitting the French overseas territory of Reunion.
Images published by local media show cars submerged and swept away by a deluge of water in the streets.
The international airport closed on Monday 15 January in the afternoon, while banks, government offices and other private businesses closed their doors and sent their staff home.
The Mauritius meteorological services (MMS) have announced a class 3 cyclone (the maximum level is 4) and advised the population to stay in safe places, given the “torrential rain conditions” expected.
Mauritius is a major tourist destination this season, but lies in the path of cyclones that cross the southern Indian Ocean between November and April.
January 15, 2024 – Updated January 15, 2024, 9:48 pm
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