Torrential rain and flooding have hit Mauritius and the French territory of Réunion, in the Indian Ocean, as Cyclone Belal crosses the islands.

One person was killed in Réunion, where the population of about 860,000 was ordered to shelter at home, but the eye of the storm has avoided the island.

Around a quarter of households on the island had no electricity and thousands were without running water on Monday.

Officials on Mauritius say the storm will pass to the south on Tuesday.

Authorities in Réunion had raised the storm alert level to violet, the highest level, as the cyclone approached the island.

That alert level banned even police and rescuers from leaving shelter. The level was later dropped to red, allowing authorities to offer aid to those affected.

Despite the dire warnings, Réunion appears to have been spared the worst of the cyclone, as the eye of the storm passed to the north. Jerôme Filippini, the region's prefect, said it had not had the "cataclysmic character" initially feared.

However, health officials have told people not to use tap water for drinking or cooking.

The one person confirmed dead was said to be homeless. Authorities said the victim had refused emergency accommodation.

The storm is now heading for neighbouring Mauritius, where a cyclone warning level three out of four is in place.

"Belal is dangerously approaching Mauritius and it represents a threat," the country's meteorological service said.

Cyclonic winds are expected to hit southern areas on Tuesday.

The storm has already brought driving rain to Mauritius, notably to the capital Port Louis. Posts on social media show vehicles being submerged or washed away.

Ahead of the cyclone passing to the south of the island the UK Foreign Office has advised tourists to follow official guidance, which includes staying indoors.

Source:
courtesy of BBC NEWS

by BBC NEWS

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