Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management, Dr Mohammad Anwar Husnoo, chaired, this morning, at the headquarters of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre (NDRRMC) in Port Louis, a Special Council Meeting with a view to assess the capabilities of various institutions in ensuring preparedness for cyclonic season 2023-2024 and delivering an efficient and effective response in emergency situations.
The Senior Chief Executive of the Ministry of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management, Dr Dhanandjay Kawol; the Officer-in-Charge of the NDRRMC and Commanding Officer of the Special Mobile Force, Mr Premanand Budhoo; and representatives of concerned ministries and public organisations were present at the meeting.
The Special Council Meeting kicked off with a presentation from the Mauritius Meteorological Services on the summer outlook for 2023/2024, outlining the temperatures, rainfall and extreme weather events expected.
Some six to eight possible cyclone formations are expected and heavy swells generated by the potential tropical cyclones evolving in the vicinity of the Republic of Mauritius may affect shores and cause storm surges.
Regarding extreme weather events, warm spells of up to 36 ̊celsius, heavy/torrential rain, violent thunderstorms, electric storms, mini tornadoes, rapid intensification of tropical cyclones, and short-duration high intensity rainfall resulting in flash floods may occur.
In light of these information, stakeholders at the Special Council Meeting discussed the preparedness actions and measures being introduced and put in place before the onset of any emergency so as to provide adequate protection and responses.
The Vice-Prime Minister was thus briefed on the resources available in case of any emergency, including equipment and the staffing and deployment of personnel for a timely response.
Other issues examined included the infrastructure and flood mitigation works being carried out, and the circulation of cyclone emergency guideline and plans, together with maps of flood- and landslide-prone areas, to concerned parties. Several simulation exercises and awareness events would be scheduled by mid-November 2023.
The Vice-Prime Minister urged representatives of relevant institutions to ensure that they were ready to carry out their responsibilities and implement the numerous guidelines and emergency plans for anticipated situations during the forthcoming cyclonic season 2023-2024.
He called on local authorities and the Road Development Authority to clean all drains to eliminate the chances of clog or obstruction that may result in flooding.
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