Reunion issues highest threat warning as cyclone approaches, authorities say

By Ammu Kannampilly

NAIROBI (Reuters) -Authorities in the French overseas territory of Reunion on Friday morning issued a "purple alert", the highest level of threat warning, as a cyclone with gusts exceeding 200 kph (124 mph) approached the Indian Ocean island.

French President Emmanuel Macron urged residents to be vigilant and respect safety instructions on Thursday as cyclone Garance headed for the island, which lies off the coast of Madagascar.

The heart of the storm was expected to make landfall over a large portion of the north of the island on Friday morning, with the strongest winds hitting between the capital Saint-Denis and the town of Saint-Leu, the local administration said in a statement.

"In view of the danger of the approaching cyclone, the prefect of Reunion has issued a purple alert," the administration said.

(Reporting by Ammu Kannampilly; Writing by Hereward Holland; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Stephen Coates)

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