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Cyclone Bejisa: French island of Reunion on red alert Cyclone Bejisa: French Reunion island brushed by storm
(about 5 hours later)
The French island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean has been put on red alert in preparation for the arrival of cyclone Bejisa. Cyclone Bejisa has passed close to the French island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean, leaving 15 people injured, power lines down and homes damaged.
Officials said the "danger was imminent" and residents have been told to remain indoors. The storm brought winds of 150 km/h (93mph) and 8m (26ft) waves as its eye came within 15km of the coast.
Meteorologists say the cyclone is heading from the north to the south-east of the island. Up to a quarter of the island's 0.8m population had water cut off from their homes, and a similar number lost power.
They say Bejisa is likely to have weakened in intensity by the time it actually makes landfall. Meanwhile the Roland Garros airport has been closed and transport and postal services have been suspended.
But they warn that winds could exceed 200km/h (124mph) with waves reaching as high as 10 metres. The island continues to be battered by high winds, but meteorologist Philippe Caroff said the worst was now over.
The Roland Garros airport has been closed and transport and postal services have been suspended. Of the 15 injured, two were in a serious condition after falling from rooves while trying to secure their homes, local officials said. The other injuries were described as minor.
Preparations for the cyclone have been under way since Tuesday as the island continues to be battered by torrential rain with swells lashing coastal areas.
Residents have been stocking up on foodstuffs, water and batteries and emergency services are on standby.