Tropical Cyclone Belal Strikes Reunion, Prompts Alerts in Mauritius

 

Tropical Cyclone Belal made landfall on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that left a quarter of the island's homes without electricity and tens of thousands facing water shortages. Despite the lifting of the highest alert level, the purple alert, local authorities advise residents to stay indoors as winds of up to 170 km/h (105 mph) continue to batter the island.

Ongoing Impact on Reunion

The Prefecture of Reunion reported that Belal brought waves reaching approximately 8 meters (26 feet) in height, causing widespread disruptions, including the loss of internet and phone services. Tragically, a homeless individual outside a shelter was found dead in Saint-Gilles on the western shore, with the circumstances surrounding the death remaining unclear. Emergency services were on lockdown during the storm, and the population was strongly advised to remain indoors.

Prefect Jérôme Filippini warned of potential flood surges not witnessed in a century, underscoring the unprecedented threat the cyclone posed. Meteorologists expressed concerns that Belal could be the most catastrophic storm to hit Reunion since the 1960s.

Mauritius on High Alert

While the purple alert has been lifted in Reunion, the neighboring island nation of Mauritius remains on high alert, anticipating the impact of Tropical Cyclone Belal as it continues its trajectory through the southwestern Indian Ocean. With heavy rains and strong winds expected, Mauritius remains vigilant, implementing precautionary measures to mitigate potential damage.

Climate Change and Cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere

Cyclones are common in southern Africa between January and March when the southern hemisphere experiences its warmest ocean temperatures. The warmer waters fuel cyclones, contributing to their formation and intensity. Scientists note that human-induced climate change exacerbates extreme weather events, leading to more frequent cyclones and increased rainfall.

Reflecting on Past Cyclones in Southern Africa

The devastating impact of Cyclone Idai in 2019 serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to powerful storms. Moving from the Indian Ocean to southern Africa, Cyclone Idai triggered a humanitarian disaster, claiming over a thousand lives in Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. The United Nations identified it as one of the deadliest storms in the southern hemisphere. As Tropical Cyclone Belal continues to influence the region, communities brace for potential challenges, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to safeguard lives and infrastructure.