“I’m very sad but also extremely angry about the current situation,” said the Prime Minister in an interview with MBC. He said that he and Minister Anwar Husnoo had taken the decisions based on the information from the Vacoas Meteorological Station. He added that he “shares the anger that the population is feeling“. “What happened is unacceptable. It has put many people in danger. In fact, one person has lost his life,” lamented Pravind Jugnauth. He added that Ram Dhurmea, who was appointed Director of Meteorology in mid-December, had submitted his resignation. The number 2, Dr Renganaden Virasami, is now deputising. The Prime Minister insisted that he was determined to do everything in his power to ensure that those who failed to provide the appropriate information were held accountable.
The Prime Minister, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, made the statement at the headquarters of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre (NDRRMC) in Port Louis this afternoon, after a review of the situation following the recent heavy rains associated with the Tropical Cyclone Belal, in the presence of the the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management, Dr Mohammad Anwar Husnoo.
Prime Minister Jugnauth indicated that our country is going through a very difficult time, adding that it is unfortunate that a motorcyclist lost his life in an accident and much material damage was also caused around the island. On this note, Mr Jugnauth acknowledged the frustration of the population at this situation and added that he would therefore ensure that those responsible for this situation assume their responsibilities.
Moreover, Prime Minister Jugnauth commented on the situation in Port Louis, which, he remarked, has improved, adding that the National Crisis Committee is coordinating the evacuation of the population. First responders such as the Mauritius Police Force, the Special Mobile Force, and the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Services, will be on-site to assist the people. In this regard, Mr Jugnauth commended the courage of the people who volunteered to help those in danger and reiterated the commitment to strive hard to ensure the safety of the public.
