Aftermath of cyclone Belal: The toll on Mauritius

Mauritius is slowly recovering from the devastating consequences of Cyclone Belal, which swept across the island from Saturday, January 13, to Tuesday, January 16. While the Vacoas meteorological station predicts a gradual improvement in weather conditions, the damage persists, leaving many regions in a critical state.

Flooded Houses

The figures are alarming: nearly 40 thousand households were deprived of electricity, with trees and other debris damaging power poles and cables. Additionally, about ten roads, including those in Mahébourg and Pointe-d'Esny, have become impassable, creating chaos in transportation.

Abundant precipitation and strong winds reaching up to 124 km/h contributed to rapid and unexpected floods. As a result, some Mauritians had to face difficult situations as their homes were affected by flooding. The shelter centers recorded an exceptional influx, with nearly 1,500 refugees, including about 500 children. So far, the government has confirmed the death of two people, motorcyclists found on a flooded highway and another in Tamarin.

Port Louis at a standstill

On Monday morning, island residents went to work following the class 1 alert issued by the authorities. However, around 10 a.m., the alert level was raised to class 2, then to class 3 a few hours later. Faced with this rapidly evolving situation, workers had to hastily return home. Unfortunately, many of them were trapped in traffic jams as the roads were invaded by water, creating apocalyptic scenes. Port Louis, particularly affected by the rising waters, reports about a hundred damaged vehicles. The Small Planters Association also reports almost total destruction of vegetable crops: an increase in prices and shortages seem likely.

In response to this critical situation, the government blamed the information provided by the Vacoas meteorological station. The station's director, Ram Dhurmea, resigned on Monday.

Warning lifted on Tuesday

Following the cyclone warning of class 3, a strict lockdown was imposed from 8 p.m. on Monday, January 15, until noon on Tuesday, January 16. Eventually, the cyclone escalated to class 4 on Tuesday morning, before quickly moving away to the east.

The security alert was lifted on Tuesday afternoon. All main roads are now accessible, except for the main road to Chamarel and the main road to La Marie towards Grand-Bassin.

Nevertheless, caution is still advised. Authorities warn against slippery, partially obstructed or flooded roads, as well as falling trees, power lines, unstable structures, and other flying objects. Moreover, it is strongly recommended to avoid mountain hiking, areas near waterfalls, riverbanks, watercourses, and any other places with potential risks.