Mother Nature has not been very lenient at the beginning of the New Year. Since Wednesday night around 10pm, a heavy rain warning has been in effect for Mauritius. Indeed, the weather has been cloudy since early yesterday morning and has worsened in the afternoon with rains.
According to the Vacoas weather station, the torrential rains that have been falling across the island may have created accumulation of water in located areas. The National Emergency Operations Command (NEOC) is keeping a close eye on the situation and has been on Alert Level I since yesterday. This means that first responders, such as Special Mobile Force officers and firemen, are stationed around the island while various police units conduct mobile patrols.
The public is warned not to enter high-risk locations, particularly along rivers and streams that may flood or regions that are prone to flooding. If the water level continues to rise fast, it is advised to seek higher ground. On the roadways, caution is advised, especially since pockets of fog cannot be ruled out. During thunderstorms, people should stay away from trees and towering structures and turn off electrical equipment.
During a guided visit at the National Emergency Operations Command (NEOC) centre on this Friday afternoon 7th January, Anwar Husnoo addressed to the press members stating that “the situation is under control… we bet a lot on the cleaning of the drains” , especially after the heavy showers that have been falling on the island since yesterday, Thursday, January 6, 2022.
The Minister of Local Government points out that flooding across the island and water accumulations are the effects of global warming.
According to the weather station, heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms are still expected in the evening. These showers could cause water accumulations in flood-prone areas. There will be pockets of fog in some areas. Gradually during the night, showers will become less frequent. After a brief calming tomorrow morning, convective rains will resume during the day accompanied by thunderstorms, especially on the southern part of the island and on the central plateau. Showers will spread to other areas towards the end of the afternoon. However, during the night, the showers will become less frequent and tomorrow morning there will be a temporary dull.
The weather deteriorated significantly in the Candos, Quatre-Bornes area on Thursday afternoon. It was raining cats and dogs around 2 pm. The showers caused water to accumulate on the road. It should be noted that the rain does not fall on the whole island. The weather is semi-covered in Port Louis on this Friday afternoon.
Members of the public are asked to remain cautious.
