For any country prone to such possible disasters, videos or films related to fire
drills, cyclones, tsunamis, etc, could be shown on regional television followed by
local simulation exercises.
On 30
th March 2013, a flood disaster occurred in Port Louis, Mauritius, where
some nine persons died. Following this, it would be useful to prepare an evacuation
route from the town. In case there are heavy rains which might cause flooding again,
what are the roads to use for travelling towards the north or the south, and which
areas to avoid! If such an evacuation plan is prepared and disseminated to the public,
road users, etc., this is preparedness working both to reduce the risk hazard and the
vulnerability.
On 29
th and 30
th June 2013, simulation exercises were carried out at Canal Dayot/
Sable Noir (for flooding) and at Champ de Mars (for landslides). Again, the training/
simulation would have been more effective, if videos of these simulation exercises
were on television at regular intervals, particularly just prior the cyclonic and rainy
seasons. As at 2020, it may be wondered how many of those who participated in the
simulations still remember anything!
12.9 Management of Disasters
12.9.1 Reducing the Magnitude of the Disaster
The impact of a disaster could be mitigated by working either on the hazard or on the
vulnerability or both.
It is not, presently, possible to divert the course of a cyclone, nor reduce the
energy of an earthquake, but in some countries lava flow has been diverted from
vulnerable areas by the use of dynamite to create new flow channels. This reduces
the hazard. Constructing new drains or enlarging existing new ones are among the
solutions which are being used in Mauritius for flooding problems or flood prone
areas.
Reducing the immediate vulnerability is put in practice in many countries like
Mauritius, Réunion when cyclones are expected and announced. Immediately after
the radio or television announcement of class 1, 2 or 3 warnings, people are advised
about precautions, to be taken and given a list of refugee centres, etc.
12.9.2 Time Management
Some disasters may happen suddenly, others may be imminent, but not immediate
and often there is enough time to react or consider and implement the required
protective or precautionary measures. Cyclones belong to this category case. The
flood disaster in Port Louis on 30
th March 2013, because of the sudden intense
rainfall, did not give much time for warning.
12.9 Management of Disasters
347
drills, cyclones, tsunamis, etc, could be shown on regional television followed by
local simulation exercises.
On 30
th March 2013, a flood disaster occurred in Port Louis, Mauritius, where
some nine persons died. Following this, it would be useful to prepare an evacuation
route from the town. In case there are heavy rains which might cause flooding again,
what are the roads to use for travelling towards the north or the south, and which
areas to avoid! If such an evacuation plan is prepared and disseminated to the public,
road users, etc., this is preparedness working both to reduce the risk hazard and the
vulnerability.
On 29
th and 30
th June 2013, simulation exercises were carried out at Canal Dayot/
Sable Noir (for flooding) and at Champ de Mars (for landslides). Again, the training/
simulation would have been more effective, if videos of these simulation exercises
were on television at regular intervals, particularly just prior the cyclonic and rainy
seasons. As at 2020, it may be wondered how many of those who participated in the
simulations still remember anything!
12.9 Management of Disasters
12.9.1 Reducing the Magnitude of the Disaster
The impact of a disaster could be mitigated by working either on the hazard or on the
vulnerability or both.
It is not, presently, possible to divert the course of a cyclone, nor reduce the
energy of an earthquake, but in some countries lava flow has been diverted from
vulnerable areas by the use of dynamite to create new flow channels. This reduces
the hazard. Constructing new drains or enlarging existing new ones are among the
solutions which are being used in Mauritius for flooding problems or flood prone
areas.
Reducing the immediate vulnerability is put in practice in many countries like
Mauritius, Réunion when cyclones are expected and announced. Immediately after
the radio or television announcement of class 1, 2 or 3 warnings, people are advised
about precautions, to be taken and given a list of refugee centres, etc.
12.9.2 Time Management
Some disasters may happen suddenly, others may be imminent, but not immediate
and often there is enough time to react or consider and implement the required
protective or precautionary measures. Cyclones belong to this category case. The
flood disaster in Port Louis on 30
th March 2013, because of the sudden intense
rainfall, did not give much time for warning.
12.9 Management of Disasters
347