<p>At least two people have been killed after cyclone Belal wreaked havoc on the French island of La Reunion and Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. The island nation had issued a maximum cyclone alert warning, which was removed later on Tuesday (Jan 16) as the officials moved to assess the devastation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Situation in Mauritius</strong></h2>

<p>In Mauritius, the cyclone caused the death of one person, left thousands without power, flooded buildings, and led to a large blockade on the streets after major flooding left cars submerged under a deluge of water or piled up on the road.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on Tuesday, the Mauritius Meteorological Services (MMS) said it was raising its alert to the maximum level, however, the alert was lifted at 0610 GMT.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-cyclone-belal-frances-reunion-island-declares-highest-weather-emergency-one-killed-680208">Cyclone Belal: France’s Reunion island declares highest weather emergency, one killed</a></strong></p>

<p>The French island of La Reunion in the Indian Ocean issued its maximum-level cyclone alert on Monday (Jan 15) morning, placing hundreds of thousands of people under a strict lockdown. The island territory issued its highest cyclone warning for the first time since 1989.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth addressed the nation on Monday (Jan 15) and criticised the weather agency announcing that its director has resigned. He also confirmed that one person had died in a road accident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government had asked people to stay indoors, but the recent MMS update said people were now “strongly advised to maintain precaution and stay in safe places”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday, the cyclone also prompted the closure of the international airport in Mauritius until further notice and Air Mauritius announced that several flights scheduled for Tuesday have been cancelled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In its recent update, the MMS said Belal was about 210 kilometres off Blue Bay, which lies on the southeast of Mauritius and is “moving away from our region” with a speed of 18 km/h.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “Hence, there are no longer any risks of having cyclonic conditions over Mauritius but other environmental risks exist.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Iceland Volcano Eruption: Seismic activity intensified overnight near Grindavik</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iceland-volcano-eruption-seismic-activity-intensified-overnight-near-grindavik-680359/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The cyclone could lead to winds of 80 kilometres an hour and waves of up to seven metres, the National Emergency Operations Command had warned, posing a risk of flooding in low-altitude areas.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Sad and angry’</strong></h2>

<p>In his address to the nation, Jugnauth lashed out at the MMS for the events on Monday and said that he was “sad and angry”.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>He acknowledged the “difficult time” that the island nation is facing due to the storm, adding that all decisions made by the government had depended on information from the MMS.</p>

<p>“I am surprised that the arrival of the heavy rains was not anticipated by the weather services. I share the anger of many Mauritians. Those responsible will have to assume their responsibilities,” said the Mauritian PM.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Images and videos of the flood-hit capital city of Port Louis on Monday showed cars being carried away in the flood water, while others were nearly submerged.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At least two people have been killed after cyclone Belal wreaked havoc on the French island of La Reunion and Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. The island nation had issued a maximum cyclone alert warning, which was removed later on Tuesday (Jan 16) as the officials moved to assess the devastation.

At least two people have been killed after cyclone Belal wreaked havoc on the French island of La Reunion and Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. The island nation had issued a maximum cyclone alert warning, which was removed later on Tuesday (Jan 16) as the officials moved to assess the devastation. Situation in Mauritius In Mauritius, the cyclone caused the death of one person, left thousands without power, flooded buildings, and led to a large blockade on the streets after major flooding left cars submerged under a deluge of water or piled up on the road. Earlier on Tuesday, the Mauritius Meteorological Services (MMS) said it was raising its alert to the maximum level, however, the alert was lifted at 0610 GMT. ALSO READ | Cyclone Belal: France’s Reunion island declares highest weather emergency, one killed The French island of La Reunion in the Indian Ocean issued its maximum-level cyclone alert on Monday (Jan 15) morning, placing hundreds of thousands of people under a strict lockdown. The island territory issued its highest cyclone warning for the first time since 1989. Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth addressed the nation on Monday (Jan 15) and criticised the weather agency announcing that its director has resigned. He also confirmed that one person had died in a road accident. The government had asked people to stay indoors, but the recent MMS update said people were now “strongly advised to maintain precaution and stay in safe places”. On Monday, the cyclone also prompted the closure of the international airport in Mauritius until further notice and Air Mauritius announced that several flights scheduled for Tuesday have been cancelled. In its recent update, the MMS said Belal was about 210 kilometres off Blue Bay, which lies on the southeast of Mauritius and is “moving away from our region” with a speed of 18 km/h. It added, “Hence, there are no longer any risks of having cyclonic conditions over Mauritius but other environmental risks exist.” WATCH | Iceland Volcano Eruption: Seismic activity intensified overnight near Grindavik The cyclone could lead to winds of 80 kilometres an hour and waves of up to seven metres, the National Emergency Operations Command had warned, posing a risk of flooding in low-altitude areas. ‘Sad and angry’ In his address to the nation, Jugnauth lashed out at the MMS for the events on Monday and said that he was “sad and angry”. ALSO READ | Everest triumph: 4-year-old Czech girl becomes youngest to reach base camp He acknowledged the “difficult time” that the island nation is facing due to the storm, adding that all decisions made by the government had depended on information from the MMS. “I am surprised that the arrival of the heavy rains was not anticipated by the weather services. I share the anger of many Mauritians. Those responsible will have to assume their responsibilities,” said the Mauritian PM. Images and videos of the flood-hit capital city of Port Louis on Monday showed cars being carried away in the flood water, while others were nearly submerged. (With inputs from agencies)

At least two killed after Cyclone Belal batters France’s Reunion and Mauritius

<p>The French island of La Reunion in the Indian Ocean issued its maximum-level cyclone alert, on Monday (Jan 15) morning, urging citizens to stay indoors, cut power, and not use tap water, placing hundreds of thousands of people under a strict lockdown as Cyclone Belal ripped through the territory. The storm has also caused the death of one person, according to AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Highest weather emergency</strong></h2>

<p>On Monday, Cyclone Belal hit Reunion, one of France’s overseas territories in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar is said to be moving in from the northwest packing “extreme winds,” according to Meteo-France. The island&nbsp;territory issued its highest cyclone warning for the first time since 1989.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The eye of the storm is passing over the Reunion Island, starting from the northern part,” said France’s weather agency, in its recent update.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-winter-storm-millions-face-below-zero-temperatures-amid-dangerous-arctic-freeze-680179">US winter storm: Millions face below-zero temperatures amid dangerous Arctic freeze</a></strong></p>

<p>Prefect Jerome Filippini, the island’s top Paris-appointed official, told France Inter, a major French public radio channel, that the initial damage was still moderate. He added, “one homeless person who had not taken shelter” died as a result of the storm in the resort village of Saint-Gilles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The winds due to the storm could exceed 250 kilometres per hour in the highlands prompting the officials to place the island’s 870,000 inhabitants, including the emergency services, on strict lockdown.</p>

<p>“Take refuge in the safest room of your homes,” the local prefect’s office said on social media. The statement added, “Do not go out on whatever pretext, even if the weather is calm. This is probably the eye of the cyclone.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">🇷🇪 [ LA RÉUNION ]<br />
<br />
Le cyclone <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Belal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Belal</a> va toucher l’île. Il n’est plus prévu de s’intensifier au stade de “cyclone tropical intense”. Il reste très dangereux ! Alerte violette en cours.<br />
<br />
Les vents à La Montagne, Saint-Denis<br />
<br />
(15/01/24 📹 via X_otik)<a href="https://t.co/RgLcAtHYht">pic.twitter.com/RgLcAtHYht</a></p>
— Alexandre (@alex_le_bars) <a href="https://twitter.com/alex_le_bars/status/1746741267248099716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>In line with the so-called violet alert, which is France’s most serious, residents are not allowed to leave their bases from 6:00 am (local time). Cyclonic sea waves of up to 12-15 metres are also expected, according to Meteo-France.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many took to social media, on Monday morning to post images and videos of the cyclone. However, the damage caused due to the heavy winds and rainfall was not immediately clear.</p>

<h2><strong>Mauritius braces for Cyclone Belal</strong></h2>

<p>Cyclone Belal “is now heading towards Mauritius,” said the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Africa, the world’s largest humanitarian network, in a post on X, on Monday (Jan 15).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The humanitarian organisation also shared images of the flood-hit capital city of Port Louis, adding “Mauritius Red Cross stands ready to assist local authorities.”&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Triggering the highest alert, cyclone <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Belal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Belal</a> hit La Réunion today, resulting in 1 fatality &amp; temporary displacement of 636 people. As <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Belal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Belal</a> is now heading towards Mauritius, Port-Louis is affected by floods (in pics). Mauritius Red Cross stands ready to assist local authorities. <a href="https://t.co/vitpnholQJ">pic.twitter.com/vitpnholQJ</a></p>
— IFRC Africa (@IFRCAfrica) <a href="https://twitter.com/IFRCAfrica/status/1746848705674711418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mauritius was also bracing for what the officials of the island nation have described as “dangerously approaching” cyclone Belal after hitting the French overseas territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volcano-erupts-near-icelandic-fishing-town-forces-evacuation-of-residents-679931">Volcano erupts near Icelandic fishing town, sets houses on fire</a></strong></p>

<p>The Mauritius Meteorological Services have issued a warning level three – out of four – for the cyclone and urged the people to stay in a safe place, with “torrential rain conditions” expected in the coming hours.</p>

<p>“On this trajectory, Belal is dangerously approaching Mauritius and it represents a threat for Mauritius,” said the meteorological office, in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “The radius of cyclonic winds is likely to cross the southern part of the island and Belal is expected to pass closer to the south of the island early tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The French island of La Reunion in the Indian Ocean issued its maximum-level cyclone alert, on Monday (Jan 15) morning, urging citizens to stay indoors, cut power, and not use tap water, placing hundreds of thousands of people under a strict lockdown as Cyclone Belal ripped through the territory.

The French island of La Reunion in the Indian Ocean issued its maximum-level cyclone alert, on Monday (Jan 15) morning, urging citizens to stay indoors, cut power, and not use tap water, placing hundreds of thousands of people under a strict lockdown as Cyclone Belal ripped through the territory. The storm has also caused the death of one person, according to AFP. Highest weather emergency On Monday, Cyclone Belal hit Reunion, one of France’s overseas territories in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar is said to be moving in from the northwest packing “extreme winds,” according to Meteo-France. The island territory issued its highest cyclone warning for the first time since 1989. “The eye of the storm is passing over the Reunion Island, starting from the northern part,” said France’s weather agency, in its recent update. ALSO READ | US winter storm: Millions face below-zero temperatures amid dangerous Arctic freeze Prefect Jerome Filippini, the island’s top Paris-appointed official, told France Inter, a major French public radio channel, that the initial damage was still moderate. He added, “one homeless person who had not taken shelter” died as a result of the storm in the resort village of Saint-Gilles. The winds due to the storm could exceed 250 kilometres per hour in the highlands prompting the officials to place the island’s 870,000 inhabitants, including the emergency services, on strict lockdown. “Take refuge in the safest room of your homes,” the local prefect’s office said on social media. The statement added, “Do not go out on whatever pretext, even if the weather is calm. This is probably the eye of the cyclone.” 🇷🇪 [ LA RÉUNION ] Le cyclone #Belal va toucher l’île. Il n’est plus prévu de s’intensifier au stade de “cyclone tropical intense”. Il reste très dangereux ! Alerte violette en cours. Les vents à La Montagne, Saint-Denis (15/01/24 📹 via X_otik)pic.twitter.com/RgLcAtHYht — Alexandre (@alex_le_bars) January 15, 2024 × In line with the so-called violet alert, which is France’s most serious, residents are not allowed to leave their bases from 6:00 am (local time). Cyclonic sea waves of up to 12-15 metres are also expected, according to Meteo-France. Many took to social media, on Monday morning to post images and videos of the cyclone. However, the damage caused due to the heavy winds and rainfall was not immediately clear. Mauritius braces for Cyclone Belal Cyclone Belal “is now heading towards Mauritius,” said the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Africa, the world’s largest humanitarian network, in a post on X, on Monday (Jan 15). The humanitarian organisation also shared images of the flood-hit capital city of Port Louis, adding “Mauritius Red Cross stands ready to assist local authorities.” Triggering the highest alert, cyclone #Belal hit La Réunion today, resulting in 1 fatality & temporary displacement of 636 people. As #Belal is now heading towards Mauritius, Port-Louis is affected by floods (in pics). Mauritius Red Cross stands ready to assist local authorities. pic.twitter.com/vitpnholQJ — IFRC Africa (@IFRCAfrica) January 15, 2024 × Mauritius was also bracing for what the officials of the island nation have described as “dangerously approaching” cyclone Belal after hitting the French overseas territory. ALSO READ | Volcano erupts near Icelandic fishing town, sets houses on fire The Mauritius Meteorological Services have issued a warning level three – out of four – for the cyclone and urged the people to stay in a safe place, with “torrential rain conditions” expected in the coming hours. “On this trajectory, Belal is dangerously approaching Mauritius and it represents a threat for Mauritius,” said the meteorological office, in a statement. It added, “The radius of cyclonic winds is likely to cross the southern part of the island and Belal is expected to pass closer to the south of the island early tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.” (With inputs from agencies)

Video | Cyclone Belal: France’s Reunion island declares highest weather emergency, one killed

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At least two killed after Cyclone Belal batters France’s Reunion and Mauritius

Video | Cyclone Belal: France’s Reunion island declares highest weather emergency, one killed

"Yellow vest" protests spread to Reunion island