As you already know, the world is suffering from global warming and this is the cause for uneven weather conditions and major catastrophes. The most recent ones being the Australian wildfire from which approximatively1.25 billion animals were affected and lost most of natural habitats. Mauritius too has known many such calamities, though not as detrimental as the wildfires but they were nonetheless damaging to the country.
Other floods did occur in the country, one in 2008 where 4 people died including a 13 year old girl. The other one happened more recently which affected 192 houses but fortunately, there were no death.
In 1994 came what would be one of the most damaging cyclones of the country has ever known in recent years. Named Hollanda, it caused approximately $135 million worth of damage to the country, killed 2 people and destroyed 450 houses causing 1500 people to be homeless with wind flowing up to 216km/h.
But the deadliest of them all was Carol, a tropical cyclone which struck Mauritius in 1960 and killed 42 people, injuring 1700 people. More than 70000 houses were destroyed making 80000 people homeless. Rainfall reached around 870mm in the north of the country causing major floods and soil erosion, deforesting many trees and wind was flowing at around 256 km/h which is way more than that of Hollanda. You may have an idea on how deadly this cyclone really was and even after 60 years, it is still as traumatising as it was back then.
Floods
One such calamity was the massive flood which occurred on the 30th March 2013 in city of Port Louis and claimed 11 lives. It was caused by the sudden rainfall which poured on that unfateful morning. It did not help that the city is surrounded by mountains and rivers and the drains were clogged with waste due to the numerous shops and malls which are located in the city. The flood caused a big chaos in the city as the roads were filled with debris, fallen trees and dozens of vehicles collided with ever causing a severe traffic jam and causing many accidents.
Medical teams, rescuers, the police and volunteers were rushed to the city and saved many lives. However, some bodies were discovered in an underground parking and others were found drown days after. Many rescuers crossed streams of mud water to save families who were stuck in the affected areas. Some volunteers cut off trees to make bridges to evacuate injured victims to hospitals. Many houses were filled with mud and many properties were completely destroyed. Atleast 300 people had to abandon their house to take refuge in refuge centres or other village halls. A few days later, the government announced a national day of mourn and a holiday to commemorate the lost souls. This flood will be forever engraved in the memories of every Mauritian who witnessed this day.
Other floods did occur in the country, one in 2008 where 4 people died including a 13 year old girl. The other one happened more recently which affected 192 houses but fortunately, there were no death.
Cyclones
In Mauritius, tropical cyclones are the most common natural hazard and are formed over the ocean in summer when the temperature of the sea is high. The weather conditions associated with the tropical cyclones are violent gusts and wind, dense clouds and heavy rain. The seas become rough and high waves can be seen during which the beach is closed to the general public.
The first tropical documented cyclone in Mauritius happened in 1892 during which killed atleast 1200 people and over 4000 people were injured. It also destroyed more than 50000 houses.
The first tropical documented cyclone in Mauritius happened in 1892 during which killed atleast 1200 people and over 4000 people were injured. It also destroyed more than 50000 houses.
In 1994 came what would be one of the most damaging cyclones of the country has ever known in recent years. Named Hollanda, it caused approximately $135 million worth of damage to the country, killed 2 people and destroyed 450 houses causing 1500 people to be homeless with wind flowing up to 216km/h.
But the deadliest of them all was Carol, a tropical cyclone which struck Mauritius in 1960 and killed 42 people, injuring 1700 people. More than 70000 houses were destroyed making 80000 people homeless. Rainfall reached around 870mm in the north of the country causing major floods and soil erosion, deforesting many trees and wind was flowing at around 256 km/h which is way more than that of Hollanda. You may have an idea on how deadly this cyclone really was and even after 60 years, it is still as traumatising as it was back then.
Some of the other intense cyclones were
- Gervaise in February 1975
- Jenny in February 1962
- Dina in January 2002
- Claudette in December 1979
- Danielle in January 1964
- Laure in March 1980
- Alix in January 1960
- Bakoly in December 1983
- Firinga in January 1989
Very good post about the natural hazards in Mauritius. Highly informative. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteThank you for covering this. Its so sad how people lose their lives to natural disasters.
ReplyDeleteNicely written and highly informative
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad. Islands always get the worst of natural disasters. I didn’t know about a lot of these happening in Mauritius over the years thought.
ReplyDeleteNicely written article and your blog have a complete information about your country nicely done
ReplyDeleteNice man
ReplyDeleteKeep it up
On point..... Keep writing... Good stuff😊
ReplyDeleteWow, cyclones 🌀 can be really damaging 🌧 Enjoyed reading the history 👨💻 Thanks for sharing 🙏
ReplyDelete