Port Louis, Mauritius — Mauritius has been overwhelmed by heavy rains, causing severe flooding and significant disruptions across the island nation.
The intense weather conditions have led to the closure of all schools and widespread advisories for public and private sector employees to work from home on Monday, excluding those in essential and emergency services.
The capital city, Port Louis, along with the West, Southwest, and Northwest regions, have experienced substantial flooding.
The Port Louis waterfront has been particularly hard hit, resulting in numerous vehicles being trapped in the rising floodwaters. A tragic accident on a highway in Port Louis claimed the life of a motorcyclist who died instantly at the scene.
Albion, located in the west of Mauritius, recorded an astonishing 302mm of rainfall in a 15-hour period from 04:00 to 19:00 on Sunday, according to local meteorological reports.
The relentless downpour has not only flooded streets but also led to structural damages, including the collapse of a two-storey house in Tranquebar, Port Louis. Fortunately, all eight members of the affected family managed to escape unharmed and were able to find refuge with a neighbor.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have issued warnings for continued rainfall and potential further flooding.
Emergency services are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations, attempting to mitigate the impact of the floodwaters and ensure public safety. The community is urged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to safety guidelines issued by local officials during this challenging time.