
"Devastating Flash Floods Strike Mauritius"
Flash floods caused by Cyclone Belal submerged cars in Port Louis, Mauritius, leading to one death and the abandonment of about 100 vehicles. Warnings for environmental risks on the island remain in place.
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Flash floods caused by Cyclone Belal submerged cars in Port Louis, Mauritius, leading to one death and the abandonment of about 100 vehicles. Warnings for environmental risks on the island remain in place.

Cyclone Belal brought torrential rain and flooding to Mauritius, causing at least one death and significant damage to infrastructure. The country's meteorological service faced criticism for its response to the storm, leading to the resignation of its director. Despite the initial severity of the cyclone warning, flood levels decreased on Tuesday, allowing authorities to assess the damage and clear up debris. The international airport remained closed, and thousands of people were without power. Nearby Réunion was also affected, with one reported death, but the territory was spared the worst of the cyclone.

Mauritius lifted its maximum cyclone alert after tropical storm Belal caused one fatality, left thousands without power, and led to traffic chaos. The government had ordered inhabitants to stay indoors, but the restriction was eased as the storm moved away. Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth criticized the meteorological agency for not anticipating the heavy rains and announced the director's resignation. About a dozen storms or cyclones occur each year in the southwest Indian Ocean during the November-April season.

Cyclone Belal caused heavy flooding in Mauritius after battering Reunion, leading to the closure of the international airport and warnings of torrential rain and storm surges. The cyclone, which has already caused one death in Reunion, prompted the closure of schools and businesses in Mauritius, with authorities urging the public to stay in safe places. The Mauritius Meteorological Services issued a class 3 cyclone warning and advised caution as the cyclone approached the island, causing widespread flooding and damage.

Cyclone Belal caused flooding and strong winds in Réunion and Mauritius, resulting in one death on each island. Thousands were left without electricity and running water, and the storm prompted a curfew in Mauritius. Despite dire warnings, Réunion was spared the worst of the cyclone as the eye of the storm passed to the north. Health officials have advised against using tap water for drinking or cooking, and tourists have been urged to follow official guidance.