Torrential rains on Mauritius claim at least 8 lives

(eTN) – Reports coming in from Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius, speaking of devastating rains sweeping across the island, causing deaths and widespread destruction, besides being the reason for multiple accidents, some causing serious injuries to drivers and passengers, one of them involving over a dozen vehicles.

Media updates are talking of at least 8 killed, either in accidents or by drowning. The island’s resorts are nearly fully booked for the Easter season with visitors from around the world having hoped for some sunshine or to escape the European or North American cold spells only to find themselves marooned in their hotel rooms as a result of devastating rains pounding the island.

Social media pages too were soon flooded, no pun intended, considering the impact this weather has on Mauritius, with comments being public – a few of them are featured here:

Meera Lynn (Derby): I was wondering why Port Louis of all places is so affected especially with it being on the sea front you would think the water would just drain into the sea. Sandhya – you may be right about the lack of drainage. I mean MAU always has cyclones with huge amounts of rain yet we have never had anything on this scale.

Mahmad Fawzy Noordally: The beginning of the end…

Brendon Bates: This is an indictment of the Civil Engineering industry here in Mauritius, and a very sad day for all of us. Sandhya is right about the lack of drainage, and also the type of drainage – a drain that works for a long-duration, lower intensity rainfall event will not necessarily be suitable for a short-duration, high intensity event. Port Louis is an old city but please – the circle at Les Salines?

Vij Bul: Sincere sympathy to families who have been affected by this flash flood and to those who have lost their loved ones.

Shamel Bholah: Unbelievable. Within two hours?!

Pictures of the incredible downpour and its consequences are also shown via www.islandcrisis.net/torrential-rain-mauritius-30th-march-2013/ where the full extent of this gruesome weather is becoming evident.

Condolences are expressed to the friends and families of those who lost their loved ones in one of the worst natural disasters Mauritius has experienced in living memory.