FAQ on Cyclones

When is the tropical cyclonic season in Mauritius?
The Cyclonic Season in Mauritius covers the period between 1^st of November to 15^th of May.

What is the difference between tropical cyclones, typhoons and hurricanes?
For historical reasons tropical cyclones are called different names in different parts of the world.
The terms hurricane and typhoon are regionally specific names for as severe tropical cyclone sustained winds of more than 118 km/h (64 knots)
- Typhoon is used in the Northwest Pacific Ocean west of the dateline.
- Hurrican is used in the North Atlantic, the Northeast Pacific of South East of Pacific Ocean.

Where tropical cyclones are formed?
The tropical cyclones are formed over ocean basins in lower latitudes of all ocean except South Atlantic and South East Pacific. The tropical cyclones develop over the warm water of the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.

As from when, are Emergency Shelters opened?
Emergency Shelters are normally opened as soon as cyclone class III warning is issued.

Up to when will public transport be available during cyclonic conditions?
Public transport will be available up to 3 hours after the issue of Cyclone III warning and will resume as far as practicable sooner after all warnings are waived depending on the road network and prevailing winds.

How Cyclone Warnings are issued?
The Mauritius Meteorological Services shall in the event that a tropical depression, a moderate tropical storm, a severe tropical storm, a tropical cyclone, an intense tropical cyclone or a very intense tropical cyclone is likely to affect the Island of Mauritius or Rodrigues shall issue a–
Cyclone warning class I not less than 36 hours, nor more than 48 hours, before the occurrence of gusts of 120 kilometres per hour;
Cyclone warning class II so as to allow, as far as practicable, 12 hours of daylight before the occurrence of gusts of 120 kilometres per hour;
Cyclone warning class III so as to allow, as far as practicable, 6 hours of daylight before the occurrence of gusts of 120 kilometres per hour;
Cyclone warning class IV when gusts of 120 kilometres per hour are recorded in some places and are expected to continue;
Following the issue of a cyclone warning class III or a cyclone warning class IV and subsequent observations indicating that the risk of cyclonic gusts of 120 kilometres per hour has abated and the cyclone is moving away, issue a safety bulletin for the purpose of –
(A) lifting the cyclone warning class III or cyclone warning class IV, as the case may be; and
(B) informing the public of the existence of any severe weather conditions associated with the cyclone and other environment risk, depending on the nature and extent of the damage occurred during the passage of the cyclone;
Following the issue of a cyclone warning class I, a cyclone warning class II or a safety bulletin, as the case may be, issue a termination bulletin after consultation with, and following advice from, the National Crisis Committee to the effect that outdoor risks have considerably decreased.

What to do Before the Cyclone?
1. Ensure that your house is in good condition and can withstand cyclone gusts.
2. Trim tree branches likely to cause damages to your house, telephone and electricity lines
3. Clear your property of loose material that can cause injury and damage during extreme winds.
4. Be acquainted with the nearest cyclone emergency shelters and how to get there.
5. Prepare an Emergency kit.

What should an Emergency kit contain?
The Emergency kit should essentially contain:

• Portable AM/FM radio and fresh batteries.
• Torch, lamps, candles, matches etc.
• Drinking water.
• Basic Food items like rice, flour, biscuits, cheese etc.
• Clothes secured in plastic bags.
• First aid kit and essential medicines.
• Tool kit for emergency repairs (hammer, nail, rope etc..)

What to do during a cyclone warning Class I?

1. Make sure your emergency kit is ready.

2. Monitor cyclone bulletins on Radio/TV, website etc.

3. Prepare to secure windows and doors with shutters or shields.

What to do during a cyclone warning Class II?

1. Verify that your emergency kit contains all essential items

2. Store sufficient amount of drinking water.

3. Continue to monitor cyclone bulletins on Radio/TV.

What to do upon the issuance of a cyclone warning Class III?

Complete all preparatory measures.

• Fix shutters.
• Secure doors and windows.
• Store loose articles.

1. Avoid areas prone to storm surges and flooding

2. Secure vehicles.

3. Shelter domestic animals.

4. Avoid going outside.

5. Those in insecure dwellings, move as early as possible, to emergency shelters with your emergency kit. 

6. Monitor closely cyclone bulletins on Radio/TV and website.

What to do during a cyclone warning Class IV?

1. Stay indoors and seek shelter in the safest part of the house.

2. Disconnect all electrical appliances.

3. Listen attentively to cyclone bulletins and advice on the Radio/TV.

4. If the house starts to suffer important damages, protect yourself with mattress, rugs or blanklets. 

What to do during the passage of the 'EYE' of the cyclone?

Beware of the passage of the 'EYE'. Do not assume that cyclonic conditions are over. The calm period is always followed by violent winds from the opposite direction. 

What to do after the passage of a cyclone?

1. Keep listening attentively to cyclone bulletins and advice on the Radio/TV.

2. Do not leave your shelter until the all-clear signals have been given by relevant Authorities.

3. Beware of fallen power lines, damaged buildings and trees and flooded water courses.

4. Do not consume fallen fruits.

5. Boil water for drinking purposes.

6. Clean yard and drain out stagnant water to prevent proliferation of mosquitoes/diseases.