The purple cyclone alert is still in progress in Reunion, while cyclone Belal crosses the island. What does this weather alert level imply?
Reunion Island is hit by tropical cyclone Belal since the morning of January 15, 2024. Very violent winds are expected in the department, exceeding 200 km/h. Faced with this dangerous meteorological situation, the purple alert level was triggered this Monday at 6 a.m., by the prefect of Reunion. What does it consist of?
On purple alert, even emergency services are confined
“ The transition to cyclonic violet alert is announced. Extremely dangerous storm or cyclone conditions are imminent », Describes Météo-France. It is in this context that the purple alert, which is a cyclone alert, is used. When the purple alert is active, there is no possibility of immediate relief. The purple alert is implemented when the violent cyclone is imminent, its first effects are already being felt, and its passage involves part or the entire department.
“ This implies strict confinement of the entire population, including emergency and security services and all agents mobilized for crisis management (the only ones authorized to travel under red alert). All traffic is strictly prohibited for any reason whatsoever and until further notice.e”, summarizes the State services website in Reunion.
Safety instructions on purple alert during cyclone Belal
As Météo-France explains, it is therefore essential to follow certain behavioral advice given to residents of the area concerned. What are they ?
- Keep informed of the situation, in particular by listening to the radio,
- Stay confined and do not go out under any circumstances,
- Stay away from openings, to avoid glass projections in the event of debris,
- Only call if absolutely necessary,
- Prepare for power outages, communications networks and drinking water,
- Remain calm, as much as possible, without panicking,
- Wait for instructions from the authorities.
People who do not have safe housing can seek refuge in shelters.
The purple alert will not cease during the passage of the eye of the storm over the island. Although this period may seem like an end to the cyclone phenomenon, it is only a deceptive lull. This zone of calm located in the center of the cyclone should not encourage you to stop taking precautions, and especially not to venture outside: you must remain confined.
Once the purple alert is lifted, which should happen around 1 p.m., a red alert phase will begin. It will allow, indicates the meteorological service, “ recognition of the road network “. During this phase, residents of the area concerned must wait at home. They will only be asked to go out when the red alert is lifted.
If you liked this article, you will like the following: don’t miss them by subscribing to Numerama on Google News.