Mauritius Cyclone

Are you prepared for an unforgettable adventure?
Mauritius cyclones, hurricanes, and typhoons go by different names depending on where you are from.
Watching cyclones on TV might be frightening. Buildings, including hotels, resorts, villas, and apartments, are intended to keep you safe.

While a powerful tropical storm could be a thrilling event during a holiday in Mauritius, the possibility of a cyclone passing over or near the island is modest. It is vital to note that cyclones are unexpected and can cause major damage to the region.
Cyclones and Mauritanians have a long history together. They are part of our cultural legacy, and we are a family.
Every two years, countries in our region, from East Africa to Mauritius, assign them names that begin with the first letter of the alphabet. Alix, Beryl, and Carol

Mauritius cyclones: a summer gathering.
The cyclone season lasts from November to April, though it can sometimes extend longer due to climate change. Tropical storms are unpredictable in their direction. One thing is certain: they do not turn around and return to where they came from.
How does a cyclone differ from a tropical cyclone? When winds reach 119 km/h, the latter develops into a cyclone, hurricane, or typhoon.

If you are considering a holiday during the cyclone season, please make sure you have proper travel insurance. Delayed flights may necessitate an extended stay or the postponing of your vacation.

Mauritius cyclone weather forecast
The Mauritius Meteorological Services has a good satellite tracking system with daily updates. You may protect yourself from the stormy winds by following a few simple precautions. It may be prudent to stock up on a bottle of our exceptional rum.
I know a powerful typhoon met us in December. The power supply was down for about a week. Our parents had acquired a wide range of delicacies for the holiday celebrations, and the refrigerators were well-stocked. We had to consume a large amount of food before the situation deteriorated. Except for bread and processed cheese, all of the food had been enjoyed by Christmas and New Year’s.

This is a complete guide to cyclones in Mauritius.

Cyclones in Mauritius are powerful storms with strong winds and heavy rainfall. They are the result of rising water temperatures during the cyclone season, which usually lasts from December to March.

When the water temperature on the surface evaporates much faster than the water in the layers below, high cloud towers form and are propelled by the Earth’s rotation, resulting in heavy rainfall.

Mauritius Cyclones: Formation, Lifespan, Impacts

How do cyclones form?

Cyclones form when warm ocean water near the equator evaporates, rises, and creates a depression. The Coriolis effect causes the air to spiral inward, forming a circular pattern known as an eyewall.

As long as the cyclone is over warm water with no wind shear, it can form and grow.

Are cyclones the same as storms?

While both cyclones and storms have strong winds and significant rainfall, they are not the same. Cyclones are a type of storm defined by their circular motion and low-pressure centers. Storms, on the other hand, can refer to a wider range of meteorological events, such as thunderstorms, blizzards, and hurricanes.

How long do cyclones last in Mauritius?

The duration of a cyclone in Mauritius can vary greatly, although on average they last between 2 and 4 days. This can be shorter or longer depending on the speed and strength of the storm and other environmental conditions.

Cyclones cause tremendous winds, torrential rains and storm surges. These can result in infrastructure damage, power outages, and disruption of essential services. Coastal locations are particularly vulnerable to flooding and damage during hurricanes.

Cyclone preparation and precautions

Navigating Cyclones in Mauritius: Your FAQs Answered

Mauritius has a well-structured cyclone warning system with four levels reflecting the severity of the storm. The government disseminates information via television, radio, and a free helpline (96), while individuals are advised to protect their homes, stockpile emergency supplies, and find safe shelter.

How do I keep up with cyclone updates?

Stay tuned to local radio and television stations for cyclone warnings and advisories.

Use the free helpline (96) for the latest information and assistance in multiple languages.

What steps should I take before a cyclone?

To ensure the safety of your home, trim any tree branches that could damage your home, telephone or electrical lines.
Remove loose materials from your property.
Determine safe areas for your boat.
Prepare an emergency supply kit.

What should I include in my emergency kit?

Portable AM/FM radio with fresh batteries.
Flashlight, lamps, candles, matches, and
Water container
Canned food, can opener, stove with plenty of gas.
Rice, flour, crackers, cheese, and a first-aid kit with essential medicines.
Clothing secured in plastic bags.
Tool kit for emergency repairs (hammer, nails, rope, etc//

What steps should I take during the different levels of cyclone warnings?

Class I: Prepare an emergency kit and follow cyclone bulletins.
Class II: Secure windows and doors, store drinking water, and continue to monitor bulletins.
Class III: Complete preparations, install shutters, secure unsecured items, and shelter pets.
Class IV: Stay indoors, seek shelter in the safest area of your home, turn off electrical appliances, and listen to cyclone warnings for updates.

What should I do after a cyclone?

Wait for the all-clear from authorities before leaving your shelter.
Be aware of hazards such as downed power lines, damaged buildings and trees, and flooded areas.
Boil water for drinking. Clean up debris.
Drain standing water to prevent the spread of mosquitoes and infections/

Cyclone Warning System in Mauritius

Class I: Issued not less than 36 hours and not more than 48 hours in advance of the occurrence of gusts of 120 km per hour.
Class II: Issued to allow, as far as practicable, 12 hours of daylight before the occurrence of gusts of 120 km per hour.
Class III: Issued to allow, as far as practicable, 6 hours of daylight before the occurrence of gusts of 120 km/h.
Class IV: Issued when gusts of 75 mph have been observed in some areas and are expected to continue.

Safety Bulletins are issued for the following purposes:

To cancel a Class III or IV Cyclone Warning,
To inform the public of the existence of severe weather conditions associated with the cyclone and other environmental risks, depending on the nature and extent of the cyclone’s destruction.

Major tropical cyclones in Mauritius.

Intense cyclone Carol in 1960 and Gervaise, an intense cyclone, in 1975.

Intense Cyclone Carol in 1960
Severe Cyclone Gervaise in 1975
Severe Cyclone Claudette in 1979
Severe Cyclone Hollanda in 1994
Very Severe Tropical Cyclone Dina in 2002
Tropical Cyclone Belal in 2024

These cyclones caused severe damage to infrastructure, disrupted the livelihoods of many Mauritians, and even claimed many lives. You can learn more here.