“Impending danger!” » Reunion Island was confined early Sunday evening before the arrival of tropical cyclone Belal, which could “mark history” with “devastating” winds and numerous river overflows. The French island in the Indian Ocean will also be placed on purple alert, the highest level, Monday at 6:00 a.m. (3:00 a.m. in Paris), announced the prefect. “Stay confined and stay informed!” », assured the prefecture in a tweet this Sunday evening.
Strict confinement, no help possible
The purple level of the cyclone alert implies “strict confinement of the entire population, including emergency and security services”, specifies a press release from the prefecture of this overseas department of some 870,000 inhabitants. . “All circulation is formally prohibited for any reason and until further notice,” adds the same source.
“The population is informed that, during this phase, there is no longer any possibility of immediate assistance,” warns the press release, which asks the population of Reunion to respect the following instructions: “Do not go out under any pretext and absolutely wait for instructions authorities. Stay away from openings to avoid splashing glass in the event of breakage. Stay calm and listen to weather reports and official instructions. Prepare for power outages, communications networks and drinking water.”