2024-01-15 20:36:47
France is sending additional support to its island of La Reunion in the Indian Ocean because of cyclone Belal. Around 150 people from civil defense, the gendarmerie and the network operator Enedis should be sent to the overseas territory shortly, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced this afternoon.
According to the weather service Meteo France, “Belal” was still near the island in the afternoon, but the eye of the storm was moving away from the southeastern coast. During the storm, a homeless man died on the island, as the island’s prefect, Jerome Filippini, said on BFMTV. The circumstances of death have not yet been clarified.
About 100,000 households on the island east of Madagascar were reportedly cut off from power on Monday. According to Filippini, 55,000 of the island’s 870,000 residents also had no access to water because it was shut off locally as a precaution.
According to Meteo France, Cyclone Belal has weakened as it passes over La Reunion. However, the wind gusts were still strong and the waves were strong. A lot of rain is still expected in the higher altitudes, but this is easing. Due to the cyclone, the island’s population is under a red warning level.
Mauritius is also arming itself
Meanwhile, the island of Mauritius, located northeast of La Reunion, is also preparing for the storm, which, according to the local weather authority, is threatening to come dangerously close to the island. Around 10,500 households were already without power on Monday and there was considerable traffic chaos.
Due to the heavy rains, hundreds of cars were swept away by floodwaters. A motorcyclist died in a collision with a bus as a result of the chaotic conditions. People are asked to seek shelter and stay in their homes until Tuesday afternoon.
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