Mauritius Faces Increasing Climate & Disaster Risks, New Handbook Warns

The Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (CFE-DM), part of the U.S. Department of Defense, released the “Mauritius Disaster Management and Climate Change Handbook” last month.

This comprehensive report detailed Mauritius’s crisis management system and its approach to risks associated with climate change.

While acknowledging the efforts of local authorities to mitigate risks, the report stresses that “the potential for a major hazard event to cause widespread destruction is high.”

The report outlined a variety of hazards, primarily weather-related and of natural origin, concerning Mauritian authorities the most.

These hazards included not only natural disasters such as cyclones, torrential rain, and flooding but also technological threats.

Significant worries involved incidents related to fire, as well as gas and oil spills, along with aircraft and maritime accidents.

The potential for tsunamis in the Indian Ocean adds another layer of concern.

Coastal Erosion and Rising Sea Levels

The report highlighted coastal erosion as a significant issue, largely attributed to extensive coastal development, the rising sea level, coral degradation, and cyclones that generate large waves harmful to marine ecosystems.

Regarding flooding risks, the Mauritius Meteorological Services (MMS) have observed increased precipitation variability linked to more frequent heavy rainfall events, which contribute to flash floods.

A 2021 analysis revealed a considerable rise in the risk of flash floods, partially due to urbanization and development disrupting natural drainage systems.

Between 1990 and 2014, flash floods accounted for over 26% of reported national losses, and a recent study by the Land Drainage Authority (LDA) identified 306 flood-prone areas on the island.

The findings indicated that flooding is likely to occur on windward sides of the island, with risks exacerbated in densely populated urban areas.

Concerning sea level rise, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicted a continued increase throughout the 21st century.

Tide gauge recorded from 1950 to 2001 showed that sea levels have risen by 1.5 mm (0.06 inches) annually at Port-Louis and by 1.3 mm (0.05 inches) at Port Mathurin.

The report warned that if this trend persists, it could lead to beach erosion, loss of bays, and severe damage to built environments.

The government’s assessments indicated that areas at highest risk for land loss include the southwestern and northern regions, along with the Terre Rouge creek estuary, which was recently impacted by two industrial oil spills.

Concerns About Technological Hazards

The report also addressed “technological hazards.” A 2020 assessment pointed to the textile industry as a significant source of environmental and health impacts.

Chemicals used in this industry have been linked to abnormal fish mortality in northern and eastern fishing zones.

Additionally, Mauritius has faced oil spills: one in 2016 involving the MV Benita and another in 2020 with the MV Wakashio.

Researchers and local authorities expressed concern that, due to Mauritius’s proximity to major shipping routes, the risk of maritime incidents such as shipwrecks is elevated.

The materials on board vessels posed ecological risks, and local responders may need to manage incidents without timely external assistance.

The CFE-DM report noted an alarming increase in the frequency of heavy rains, tropical cyclones, storms, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, and hazardous material spills in recent years.

This is a warning that the country’s healthcare system can anticipate more frequent outbreaks of vector-borne diseases, coupled with inadequately maintained drainage infrastructure and waste management systems to combat the effects of climate change.

Source: Le Mauricien