Cyclones in Mauritius

Cyclones in Mauritius

While the south-east trade wind blows the whole year through and actually is a harmless and even pleasant event, in case of the cyclones the situation gets serious.

They are also winds that are originated by the strong sun radiation, but they are tremendously more fiercely and destructive.

Cyclones are originated during the months January up to March, when the sun is already returning from the southern tropic in direction to the northern tropic; While the sun is positioned for a short time vertically in the sky above the equator, thus only passes it briefly, it spends more time in the area of the tropics, as the sun gets there, turns around and slowly returns . The consequence is that the air and water temperatures strongly increase.

According to statistics, Mauritius is in the centre of a cyclone only every 5 years. Still, every year the island is hit by the remnants of 3 to 5 storms. Most frequently, cyclones form on the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn where the body of water heats up to 26°C for longer periods of time.

During the period of the cyclone the water temperature and on the surface evaporates much quicker than the water in underlying layers. High cloud towers build and are put into motion by the rotation of the earth. These clouds bring storm and heavy rainfalls.

If such a cyclone approaches the island, one should immediately look for a shelter. The rural inhabitants that live in some instable huts, search for shelter in public office buildings or churches. Hotels have to bring into safety everything what is not cast-iron. On the sea, metres-high waves are formed, torrential rainfalls descend on the island, the wind takes the roofs and the trees with it. The spectacle only takes a few hours, then the weather calms down again and the extent of the destruction gets visible.

There are only extremely destructions if the cyclone straight passes over the island, thus with its eye. But also when a cyclone passes Mauritius at a distance of a few hundred kilometres, the consequences are noticeable on the island: there are stronger rainfalls than usual, the wind blows fiercely and the sea breaks some massive waves against the coral reefs and/or the edge of the island.

Storm warnings are made public on TV and radio. On the free call 96 you will be able to receive the latest news and helpful information in several languages.

The cyclone warning system in Mauritius is structured in 4 classes:

Mauritius Cyclones Levels:

Class I: Issued 36 to 48 hours before Mauritius or Rodrigues is likely to be affected by gusts reaching 120 km/h.

Class II: Issued so as to allow, as far as practicable, 12 hours of daylight before the occurrence of gusts of 120 kilometers (km) per hour.

Class III: Issued so as to allow, as far as practicable, 6 hours of daylight before the occurrence of gusts of 120 kilometers(km) per hour.

Class IV: Issued when gusts of 120 km per hour have been recorded and are expected to continue to occur.

Cyclone Termination:

Issued when there is no longer any appreciable danger of gusts exceeding 120 km per hour.

Preparedness And Precautions in The Event of a Cyclone

Before The Cyclone

• Ensure that your house is in good condition and can withstand cyclone gusts.
• Trim tree branches likely to cause damages to your house, telephone and electricity lines.
• Clear your property of loose material that can cause injury and damage during extreme winds.
• Identify secure places for your boat.
• Be acquainted with the nearest cyclone refugee centres.
• Prepare an emergency kit consisting of: Portable AM/FM radio and fresh batteries. Torch, lamps, candles, matches, etc. Water containers. Canned food, can opener, stove with sufficient gas. Rice, flour, biscuits, cheese, etc. First aid kit and essential medicines. Clothes secured in plastic bags. Tool kit for emergency repairs (hammer, nail, rope, etc..)

During a cyclone warning class l

• Make sure your emergency kit is ready.
• Monitor cyclone bulletins on Radio/TV.
• Prepare to secure windows and doors with shutters or shields.

During a cyclone warning class ll

• Verify that your emergency kit contains all essential items
• Store sufficient amount of drinking water
• Continue to monitor cyclone bulletins on Radio/TV

Upon the issuance of a cyclone warning class lll

• Complete all preparatory measures.
• Fix shutters.
• Secure doors and windows.
• Store loose articles.
• Avoid areas prone to storm surges and flooding.
• Shelter domestic animals.
• Secure vehicles.
• Those in insecure dwellings, move as early as possible, to cyclone refugee centre with your emergency kit.
• Avoid going outside.
• Monitor closely cyclone bulletins on Radio/TV.

During a cyclone warning class IV

• Gusts of 120 km/h or more are occuring
• Stay inside. Seek shelter in the safest part of the house.
• Disconnect all electrical appliances.
• Listen attentively to cyclone bulletins and advice on the Radio / TV.
• If the house starts to suffer important damages, protect yourself with mattress, rugs or blankets.

After the cyclone

• Do not leave your shelter until the all-clear signals have been given by relevant Authorities.
• Beware of fallen power lines, damaged buildings and trees and flooded water courses.
• Do not consume fallen fruits.
• Boil water for drinking purposes.
• Clean yard and drain out stagnant water to prevent proliferation of mosquitoes/diseases

Major Tropical Cyclones in Mauritius