Rodrigues Hit by 222mm of Rain as Torrential Floods Submerge the Island

Authorities have launched a major clean-up operation across Rodrigues after torrential rains and “unprecedented” mudslides left the island submerged over a chaotic weekend.

The torrential rain warning, which saw precipitation levels hit 222.9mm in Plaine-Corail, was finally lifted at 4:10 am on Monday, 16 March.

While public infrastructure largely held firm, Deputy Chief Commissioner Johnson Roussety confirmed damage to road diversions at Baie-Topaze.

Crucially, emergency services have reported no loss of life despite the scale of the flooding.

Chaos in the Capital

The crisis intensified rapidly on Sunday afternoon, 15 March, when active clouds linked to a monsoon trough triggered a formal torrential rain alert at 4:40 pm.

In Port-Mathurin, the regional capital was effectively paralysed within an hour. The central bus station was swallowed by rising muddy waters, catching commuters and shopkeepers off guard.

Emergency measures were also taken at Crève-Cœur Hospital, where floodwaters invaded the building.

Patients were moved to higher floors for safety as a landslide was reported in the immediate vicinity of the medical facility.

Transport and Travel Disruption

The extreme weather brought aviation to a standstill. Air Mauritius was forced to cancel multiple flights, including the MK 137 and MK 150/151 services.

In one dramatic instance, flight MK 136, already en route to the island, was forced to perform a mid-air U-turn and return to Mauritius.

A Rare Spectacle

While the Special Mobile Force (SMF) and firefighters worked through the night to clear debris-strewn roads, some locals viewed the deluge with a sense of awe.

At Pointe-Coton, crowds gathered to witness a massive flow of mud and sand sweeping into the sea, a phenomenon described by many as “unprecedented.”

“It is the first time I have seen rain of this quality,” remarked Joseph Speville, a farmer in Mourouk, who described the rainfall as a “blessing” while urging caution.

The Aftermath

As of Monday, schools across the island remained closed to allow for safety inspections and cleaning. Final 24-hour rainfall totals highlighted the intensity of the storm:

• Plaine-Corail: 222.9mm
• Pointe-Canon: 188.9mm
• Citronelle: 179.0mm

Government officials and the SMF continue to coordinate relief efforts to restore normalcy to the island’s road networks and public spaces.

Source: l’Express