La Reunion Braces for Cyclone Garance with Maximum 'Purple Alert'

Residents of La Reunion have been ordered indoors as Cyclone Garance approaches, threatening winds of up to 200 kph and severe sea swells.

Cyclone Garance is expected to directly impact La Reunion, with authorities issuing a rare 'purple alert' confining all residents indoors.
The storm brings the potential for 200 kph (125 mph) winds, heavy rainfall, and sea swells over 8 meters (26 feet) high.
Both La Reunion and neighboring Mauritius have closed their airports, with Mauritius declaring a class 3 cyclone alert earlier in the week.
French President Emmanuel Macron has urged residents to stay vigilant and follow safety instructions as emergency shelters open across La Reunion.
The last 'purple alert' cyclone, Belal, caused significant damage and four fatalities in January 2024, underscoring the seriousness of Garance's threat.