A warning for heavy rain has been issued in Mauritius, with moderate to heavy localised showers and thunderstorms sweeping across the southern part of the island and the central plateau.
This is causing water accumulations in flood-prone areas, and visibility is expected to be reduced due to fog and showers in certain regions.
The National Emergency Operations Command (NEOC) has listed some roads that are closed to traffic, including the St-Félix Coastal Road, Chamarel Road/Le Choisy, Le Batellage, Souillac, and Surinam, near the Indian Oil service station.
NEOC’s Communications Manager, Pravind Rughoo, has urged the public to remain cautious and avoid high-risk areas, including open fields, hiking trails, and sheltering under trees during thunderstorms.
According to Defi Media, the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) has rescued four people trapped by flooding, and responded to seven cases of water accumulation in Rivière-des-Galets, Chemin-Grenier, Surinam, Riambel, and Chamouny.
They have also rescued an individual trapped in a home on Beekary Street, Souillac, and another person stranded in Dr Sinatambou’s alley.
They evacuated two people who were stuck in a house in Rivière-des-Galets and assisted two patients in Roche-Terre and Vacoas, who were referred to the SAMU.
The public is being urged to keep a lookout for updates and to stay in safe places to avoid danger from the heavy downpour.
In case of emergency, please contact the police at 999 or 148, and the fire department at 115.
Sources: Mauritius Meteorological Services, Defi Media
