Oh Mauritius!
Cyclone Berguitta is set to hit this beautiful island on Thursday morning and Reunion on Thursday afternoon. The airport has been closed down and all flights grounded. A cyclone is pretty much a hurricane, the difference is where the storm occurs.
Locals and tourists have been advised to take precautions and stay clear of the ocean. The strong winds have already damaged a few properties on the island. We found this basic preparedness tips on this website which we found really helpful. You can share with your friends and family in Mauritius before the cyclone hits!
KNOW WHERE TO GO. IF YOU ARE ORDERED TO EVACUATE, KNOW THE LOCAL HURRICANE EVACUATION ROUTE(S) TO TAKE AND HAVE A PLAN FOR WHERE YOU CAN STAY. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FOR MORE INFORMATION.
PUT TOGETHER A GO-BAG: DISASTER SUPPLY KIT, INCLUDING A FLASHLIGHT, BATTERIES, CASH, FIRST AID SUPPLIES, MEDICATIONS, AND COPIES OF YOUR CRITICAL INFORMATION IF YOU NEED TO EVACUATE.
IF YOU ARE NOT IN AN AREA THAT IS ADVISED TO EVACUATE AND YOU DECIDE TO STAY IN YOUR HOME, PLAN FOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES IN CASE YOU LOSE POWER AND WATER FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO LEAVE DUE TO FLOODING OR BLOCKED ROADS.
MAKE A FAMILY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION PLAN.
MANY COMMUNITIES HAVE TEXT OR EMAIL ALERTING SYSTEMS FOR EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS. TO FIND OUT WHAT ALERTS ARE AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA, SEARCH THE INTERNET WITH YOUR TOWN, CITY, OR COUNTY NAME AND THE WORD “ALERTS.”
The public is advised to complete and maintain all precautions and to stay safe. Weather in Mauritius will remain overcast with intermittent rain. Then the rain will be moderate to heavy at times with thunderstorms. Wind will blow from the South-East at about 50 km/h, strengthening gradually. Then gusts may reach 120 km/h in the course of the night. Sea will be high with heavy swells. It is strictly advised not to go out at sea.
We wish everyone in Mauritius all the best and hope they get through this in one piece!
