Flooding in Mauritius – National Mourning Day, the Worst April Fools’ day

If you are reading this from some other part of the world : No, this is definitely not an April Fools’ prank.

Two days ago, on the 30th March 2013, the country has survived the worst day ever in its history. After the torrential rainfall of the 13th February 2013, Mauritians never thought that there could be worst. Today, the country is crying the death of 11 persons who have paid for the incompetencies of authorities with their lives. Several of them have drowned in the muddy waters either in the Caudan pedestrian underpass or in the underground parking of the Harbour Front building (Mac Do Port Louis). Rivers and canals going through the capital have over flooded the roads, leaving them not only unsafe but also impossible to use. In several regions, the level of water has nearly reached the roof, sometimes even forcing people to climb on top of their houses. Bref, during these two days, the country was in a deplorable state.

If you want to have a look at the pictures and videos, you can head over to my Facebook profile.

Who to blame?

While some will argue by saying that I should not put the blame on others, I will rather say that the dreadful experience of the previous devastating torrential rainfalls and floods have not been of any use. The authorities have clearly failed in so many points. Is the role of the authorities only limited to the allocation of contracts to “petits-copains” and Soornack, giving public beaches to hotels and delivering speeches?

Mark my words : The consequences could have been less serious: lives saved and keep damages at a minimum.

Just to give you an idea of things that could have been prevented :

• The Caudan flyover was transformed into a large pool with several vehicles trapped in the water.
• Just inaugurated, the pride of the government aka the Ring Road was converted into the largest water drainage system of the island.
• Concrete barriers built along lanes of the motorway has largely contributed to worsen the situation since the large amount of water had no way to leave the motorway.
• For the second time within a few months, the Place d’Armes and Caudan area merged to form an immense muddy water bassin.
• Several areas of the recently constructed Jeetoo Hospital was flooded.

Why? Probably the lack of proper drain systems and the incompetency of our engineers for their modern design. And our meteorological services? If they can’t forecast the weather, I think that it is high time to shut it down.

The reaction of the London Boy

And we have a Prime Minister who compares Mauritius to other countries even in tragedies. During his press conference, he mentions the climatic change which is causing several disasters around the world. How lame! Seriously man, assume your responsibilities as the prime minister!!! I agree that there are things that cannot be predicted like natural disasters but what about the recently road constructions, buildings and drains systems which failed???

I’m so disgusted by the persons in power. We have been going through so many tragedies because of the incompetency of people and the tolerance of the population. Unfortunately, we tend to accept things as they are.

Sincere sympathy to the families affected. May the souls of the victims rest in peace.