Rodrigues
is located at about 600 Kilometres to the east north east of the
Mauritius mainland, with a population of approximately 40, 000 people.
Port Mathurin in the north of the island is the commercial hub of the
island, housing the Regional Assembly and other Administrative
buildings, as well as the harbour. The airport is found to the south of
the island at Plaine Corail.
The
island has a varied topography of beaches and steep slopes in the west,
with an elevated central inland plateau. The island is surrounded by a
wide lagoon with turquoise waters. The main economic activities in
Rodrigues are tourism, farming and fishing.
The
main hazards that affect Rodrigues are tropical cyclones, torrential
rains, flash floods and high waves. Rodrigues lies close to the
Mid-Indian Ridge meaning that earth tremors are occassionally felt.
The
Mauritius Meteorological Services issue early warnings should there be a
possibility that Rodrigues may be affected by an identified hazard.
The
Cabinet decision of 30 August 2013 establishing the NDRRMC also made
provision for the establishment of a Disaster Risk Reduction &
Management Centre for Rodrigues, responsible for the planning,
coordinating and monitoring of disaster risk reduction and management
activities in Rodrigues. The Rodrigues Disaster Risk Reduction &
Management Centre (RDRRMC) will be shortly established, with support
from the NDRRMC, and operating under the oversight of the Rodrigues
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chaired by the Chief
Commissioner.
