The prefecture on the French-ruled island moved up from the orange alert issued earlier in the day as Cyclone Gamede continued its course towards the west coast and heavy rain poured down, flooding rivers and waterways.

The red alert forbids normal road traffic.

A 44-year-old woman was missing after being swept away by fast-flowing waters in a ravine in the island’s south and rescue services said chances of finding her alive were slim.

Heavy storms over recent days caused rivers across the island to swell their banks and cut off roads in several areas, although the cyclone had appeared to be moving away from the island before changing direction overnight.

Winds of up to 150 kph in coastal areas and 200 kph on hilltops are expected as cyclone Gamede approaches to some 200 kilometres (124 miles) of the coast.

France’s minister for overseas territories, Francois Baroin, who was visiting the island, extended his stay and pledged state aid for rebuilding operations.