Port-Louis Faces Evacuations and Landslide Risks After Recent Heavy Rains

Following a series of intense rain episodes, authorities in Port-Louis are raising alarms about the increasing dangers of landslides and erosion. Emergency evacuations have been ordered in several vulnerable neighborhoods to avert potential disasters.

Particularly affected areas include Marie Reine de la Paix and Tranquebar, both situated along the Le Pouce stream.

The threat has escalated to the point where local officials are taking immediate action to prevent further catastrophes.

A delegation comprising representatives from various agencies, including the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre, the Geotechnical Unit of the Ministry of National Infrastructure, the Land Drainage Authority (LDA), Drains Infrastructure Construction Ltd (DICL), the National Development Unit (NDU), the Port-Louis municipality, and the police, recently visited the affected sites to assess the situation.

Their findings were alarming: several zones are at high risk for landslides and flooding.

In the aftermath of heavy rainfall on April 21, 2024, five families living in four houses in Marie Reine de la Paix, located on the hillside of the Signaux Mountain, are facing urgent relocation.

The Port-Louis municipal council has issued a “Dangerous Buildings” notice under Article 22 of the Building Control Act 2012 concerning these households.

In Tory Lane, Pont Nazareth, erosion has exposed the foundation of a home belonging to the Lebon family.

Additionally, six other homes in the same area are also threatened by erosion.

The LDA has recommended that residents of these seven homes be relocated due to the severe flooding risk and potential for structural damage.

Further along Graver Street in Tranquebar, the NDU is evaluating necessary relocations, specifically for the Ramsahye family, whose house collapsed, along with three other families residing in similarly vulnerable conditions.

Near Labourdonnais Street and Vallée-Pitot, eleven families have been identified as being at risk since May 20, 2024.

Authorities are exploring relocation options and the necessary rehabilitation work in the areas of Mgr Leen, Marie Reine de la Paix, and Pont Nazareth in Tranquebar.

In June, the Ministry of National Infrastructure submitted plans and cost estimates for the rehabilitation of the Créole Stream at Pont Armoury.

The Port-Louis municipal council is expected to issue a tender for these works.

During their site visits, officials identified the need to improve three bridges in the region: one along the main road in Marie Reine de la Paix and two secondary bridges, with projects to be managed by the Road Development Authority.

In response to the concerns raised by residents, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Regional Administrations, Anwar Husnoo, addressed these issues in writing to the National Assembly on July 30.

In reply to a query from Labour Party MP Farhad Aumeer, the minister acknowledged reports from the Port-Louis municipal council indicating that homes were at risk of collapse due to erosion.

“Residents fear that further rainfall could lead to potentially fatal flooding. They have requested that corrective measures be taken.

This issue will be addressed through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre,” he stated.

Source: Defi Media