Destructive winds, severe flooding as Tropical Cyclone “Belal” makes a direct hit on Reunion

Before the impact, Météo-France predicted potentially historic impacts and placed the entire island under a Purple alert, the highest level of warning, effectively implementing a total lockdown of the population. This included emergency and security services, with a strict prohibition on all movement.

Residents were advised to prepare for the cyclone’s impact by stocking up on essential supplies, unplugging electrical devices, refraining from using tap water, limiting phone use to emergencies only, and staying indoors for an extended period of 36 hours.

High waves, anticipated to reach heights between 13 to 15 m (42 – 50 feet), led to a heightened alert along the coastline, and flight operations at the island’s main airport were suspended.

After the peak of the cyclone passed, at around 08:00 UTC, the alert level was downgraded to Red, allowing emergency services to resume operations.

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