Ram Dhurmeea Asked to Retire Early Amid Government Investigation

Ram Dhurmeea, the former director of the Vacoas Meteorological Station, has been invited to take early retirement in the public interest. This request comes from the Ministry of Local Government following an internal investigation that scrutinized the meteorological forecasts related to Cyclone Belal, which were deemed inaccurate by the government earlier this year.

Dhurmeea has been asked to provide a written explanation regarding the allegations against him. According to the official correspondence he received, he is primarily responsible for the confusion that arose in the aftermath of the flooding that occurred post-Cyclone Belal.

Since January 17, he has been suspended from his position as head of the Vacoas Meteorological Station.

The inquiry into his conduct follows a significant meeting of the National Crisis Committee, held on January 14, chaired by Minister Anwar Husnoo.

During this meeting, Dhurmeea, in his capacity as director of meteorology, stated that the “worst-case scenario” would involve maintaining a Class 1 cyclone alert on January 15.

However, following his statements, a public dispute erupted between him and Minister Husnoo, as both officials sought to distance themselves from the fallout of the severe weather conditions that led to widespread chaos the following day.

The heavy rains associated with Cyclone Belal resulted in dramatic flooding that paralyzed much of the country and tragically claimed the lives of two individuals.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Public Officer, Dhurmeea expressed his refusal to be treated as a scapegoat for the situation.

Notably, to defend himself against the authorities’ accusations, he has retained Senior Counsel Me Gavin Glover as his legal representative.

The continuing developments in this matter raise questions about accountability and the effectiveness of meteorological services in crisis situations.

Source: Defi Media