Tropical Cyclone Freddy made landfall in Mauritius on Monday, forcing the Indian Ocean island nation to cancel flights and close its stock exchange.
According to an AFP correspondent, there were no government services available, businesses such as stores, banks, and gas stations were closed, and public transportation had been suspended. This left the streets completely vacant.
The Stock Exchange of Mauritius said it would shut its doors after the Mauritius Meteorological Services (MMS) issued a Class 3 cyclone warning.
In an update issued at around 7 pm (1500 GMT), the Mauritius Meteorological Services said that although Cyclone Freddy had undergone “a slight weakening“, thunderstorms and gusty weather would continue. Said MMS:
Sea will be high with heavy swells of the order of seven metres beyond the reefs. Storm surge will continue to cause inundation along the low-lying coastal areas. It is, therefore, strictly advised not to go at sea.
The public in Mauritius is advised to maintain all precautions and to stay in safe places.
Images from the remote paradise island showed waves crashing to the shore and the wind whipping through palm trees.
In an address late Sunday, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth urged citizens to take all necessary precautions, stay home and remain “vigilant.”
Authorities in Zimbabwe say they have activated the country’s disaster response as the storm is anticipated to bring heavy rains to Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
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