Mauritius: Airport closure due to Tropical Storm Calvinia December 30 /update 2

Event

At approximately 23:00 (local time) on Monday, December 30, Air Mauritius confirmed that the main island's Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) is closed and that the airline has ceased all domestic and international flight operations due to Tropical Storm Calvinia. Several other airlines have also announced flight disruptions and rescheduled flights to and from Mauritius to Tuesday, December 31. Further flight disruptions including cancelations are anticipated in the coming hours and days. Shops and businesses in the capital, Port Louis, have also reportedly closed. 

At 04:10 on Tuesday, the Mauritius Meteorological Service (MMS) announced that Calvinia has remained quasi-stationary and is located at approximately 21.0°S 58.0°E (map here). However, it warns that Calvinia may intensify further. The MMS forecasts intermittent moderate to heavy rains, thunderstorms, and wind gusts up to 120 kph (75 mph) across the island. It also expects rough seas and advises against sea travel. 

Associated flooding, landslides, transportation and business disruptions are anticipated, as well as disruptions to power and communication services, in the coming hours and days.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions and flight status before setting out, contact your airline for more information, anticipate transportation and business disruptions, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.