Agalega
Agalega
is in fact twin islands located approximately 1000 kilometres to the
north north west of Mauritius, almost midway to the equator. The two
islands are separated by a strip of the sea of roughly one kilometre
span.
Agalega
is administered by the Outer Islands Development Corporation (OIDC) and
has a population of approximately 300 people who work mostly on the
coconut plantations. Basic amenities for health, eduction and
communication are available on the island.
The
island is at risk of being affected by tropical cyclones, heavy rains,
high waves and tsunami. Early warnings of hazards are issued from the
headquarters of the Mauritius Meteorological Services (MMS) and relayed
to both the Head Office of the OIDC and the Resident Manager on the
island. A large tsunami shelter is already in place on the North
Island.
The
Local Disaster Management Committee in Agalega comprises of the Officer
In Charge of the Meteorological Station, Police, NCG, SMF, and staff of
other departments and local community leaders, under the chairmanship
of the Resident Manager. A Disaster Management Coordinator has been
appointed in Agalega to coordinate and facilitate disaster management
programmes on the island.
