A cyclone warning class IV is in force in Mauritius
During the past hours, barometric pressure at Mauritius has started to rise, thus indicating that Belal has already crossed at its closest distance from Mauritius. However, the cyclonic winds associated with Belal are still influencing the island.
At 07h00, Severe Tropical Storm Belal was centred at about 150 km almost to the south southeast of Blue Bay near latitude 21.8 degrees south and longitude 58.3 degrees east. It is moving in a general easterly direction at a speed of about 15 km/h.
Cyclonic conditions are persisting over the island, with gusts exceeding 120 km/h.
A cyclone warning class IV remains in force in Mauritius.
The public is advised to maintain all precautions and stay indoors.
Active cloud bands associated with Belal are still crossing the island, causing rainy and gusty weather. The heavy rainfall will cause water accumulations and flooding in several places.
Wind will blow from the northwest at a speed of about 50 km/h with gusts of the order of 120 km/h.
The sea will be phenomenal, with swells of 8 to 10 metres beyond the reefs. Storm surge will cause coastal inundation along low-lying coastal areas. It is strictly advised not to go out at sea and to avoid venturing along beaches.
Remarks:
The country was taken by surprise yesterday by very heavy rainfall. In a few hours, the streets of the capital, Port-Louis, were submerged, leaving one person dead.
The National Crisis Committee has thus ordered through the National Disaster Risk Reduction And Management Act that “in order to safeguard the life of any person, the public is informed that under section 16(2)(a) of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, an order is issued ordering all persons in Mauritius to remain indoors until noon today, except for –
a) authorized persons engaged in essential and emergency services;
(b) employees of the Disciplined Force;
(c) a person who needs to receive medical treatment or obtain medicines or any other item essential to the subsistence or livelihood of his or her family.
Please note that in the event of non-compliance with the restrictions, offenders risk a fine of Rs 100,000 and a period of imprisonment not exceeding two years.