Mauritius lifts storm alert after cyclone as French island assesses damage

Trees and debris in the marina of Saint-Gilles les Bains on the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion on Tuesday (Lewis Joly/AP)

Mauritius has lifted its highest weather alert and eased a nationwide curfew after a cyclone battered the Indian Ocean island, causing heavy flooding and extensive damage in the capital city and other parts of the country.

The nearby French island of Reunion is also assessing the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Belal.