Reunion Island

In the French dictionary, “Le Petit Larousse,” cyclone is defined as “a violent whirlwind,” and “tropical cyclones are circular wind storms that form in the tropics.”

Located in the tropical zone, every year (from November to April), Réunion Island is occasionally hit by ten or so cyclones, from south west of the Indian Ocean. But, since 1960, only 13 cyclones have passed less than 100km over the coastal area of the island. The last most destructive cyclone which hit mainly the south of the island in 1989 was Firinga.

Some of the damages caused by cyclone are destruction of crops, flood, power cut and downed telephone lines.

Cyclone is divided into three categories, namely,

• Tropical storm: winds vary from 60km/h to 117km/h.
• Intense cyclones: winds reach more than 165km/h.
• Extremely intense cyclones: winds exceed 212km/h. All the cyclones in the Indian Ocean are given female names. In the beginning of every year, the traders distribute calendars with the names of the cyclones listed over, to regular customers.

The current cyclonic information

Davina Cyclone / March 99 (Météo France picture)

• Make sure that you can easily and quickly go out of your respective premises.
• Clear your property of loose materials that could blow about or damage by rainfall. Shelter your pets from the bad weather.
• Trim trees and overhanging branches.
• Avoid walking in gully, a flash flood may carry you along.
• Do not put off to sea, or if you are already at sea, make landfall immediately.
• Should you have a building site in progress, make sure that the crane and heavy materials are well stowed
• Keep drinking water and prepare a cyclone kit (candles, radio batteries, food,..).
• Avoid hiking for several days. Before, setting off to hike, call Météo France on 0262 99 85 00 for the last inquiries.
• Other useful information: shipping forecast (08 36 68 08 08), cyclone hotline (08 36 65 01 01), 48 hour weather forecast (08 36 68 02 02).
• If you are under medical treatment, ensure that you have your medicines at your disposal.
• Follow the news on RFO in MW or OM on 666 kHz or 729 kHz.
  

• Do not touch any fallen cable wires and telephone lines.
  
• Don’t enter flood waters.
  
• Stay tuned to your local radio/TV for further information.
  
• Don’t make unnecessary telephone calls as the network should remain free for emergency aid.