Mauritius Elevates Warning to Highest Level as Cyclone Belal Approaches

Mauritius has issued a maximum cyclone warning alert as Cyclone Belal caused heavy rain and flooding in the country. The storm is now moving away from the island nation but the meteorological service has warned of other environmental risks. So far, one person has died in Mauritius and another in Réunion due to the storm. Thousands of people have lost power and the streets are heavily flooded. The Mauritius Meteorological Service (MMS) has placed a level 4 warning, the highest level, after the storm hit the southern coast of the country. The storm is now heading eastwards towards the Indian Ocean at a speed of approximately 18km/h. The MMS has advised people to stay indoors and avoid going out to sea or walking along the shorelines due to the potential for storm surges. The Prime Minister of Mauritius criticized the MMS for its response to the storm, stating that the heavy rainfall was not anticipated. The international airport in Mauritius was closed, resulting in flight cancellations, while some flights to Rodrigues were operating. Videos have shown severe flash flooding and submerged cars in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. Over 1,000 people have been evacuated in Mauritius and approximately 8,400 people are without power. Cyclone Belal has also affected Réunion, with one death reported. However, the island seemed to have been spared the worst of the cyclone. The prefect of the region stated that it did not reach the catastrophic level initially feared.