In the aftermath of Cyclone Belal, which swept across the Indian Ocean and unleashed torrential rains and powerful winds upon Mauritius, the island nation officially lifted the highest-level alert on Tuesday, January 16. The cyclone’s passage resulted in considerable damage, claiming at least one life.
As the storm now retreats far from the shores of Mauritius, residents and authorities in the capital city of Port-Louis are tirelessly engaged in a comprehensive cleanup effort. The morning of January 16 saw the removal of the level 4 alert, signifying that the worst was behind them.
The capital, Port-Louis, bears the unmistakable scars of the tempest’s fury, with varying degrees of impact evident throughout the city. Moments of shock and awe gripped the capital as torrents of mud and debris cascaded down its roads. Particularly hard-hit was Poudrière Street, which, in a sense, served as the epicenter of the submerged section of the capital.
Even as Mauritius was under a level 2 alert on Monday morning, water levels surged to an alarming 5 meters near this heavily trafficked road. The consequence was the sweeping away of vehicles by the deluge. On Poudrière Street, only as the water receded did cars, now strewn and piled up from end to end, become visible.
The herculean task at hand for authorities and residents alike is the removal and cleaning of debris scattered throughout the affected areas. The monumental efforts involve utilizing every available tool to restore a semblance of order to the impacted regions.
In essence, the community’s resilience shines through as they collaboratively address the aftermath of Cyclone Belal. The determined cleanup, under the Mauritian sun, symbolizes a collective commitment to rebuilding and overcoming the challenges posed by the recent natural disaster.