Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Tropical Cyclone Cilida

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Date:  December 21, 2018

The Mauritius Meteorological Service has issued a warning identifying Cyclone Cilida as a Class 1 storm. The active cloud mass associated with Cilida continues to influence weather over Mauritius. Given the proximity of Cilida and the presence of cyclonic winds near the center, a cyclone warning Class 1 is maintained in Mauritius.

You can stay abreast of the latest bulletin from the Mauritius Meteorological Service by calling the local number 8996  or monitoring local radio, the National Weather Service, and local media to stay aware of any weather developments in their area.

The Embassy will be closed for federal holidays, December 24 and 25 and will re-open on December 26.

The following link provides general information on the cyclone warning system in Mauritius/Rodrigues:  http://metservice.intnet.mu/tropical-cyclone/warning-system.php

Please also check the U.S. Embassy’s official social media account on Facebook at the following link:  https://www.facebook.com/usembassy.portlouis/

The U.S. Embassy advises all U.S. Citizens living in and/or visiting Mauritius to take certain basic precautions in preparation for this storm, and to monitor the radio for weather bulletin updates.

Supplies and Preparation:

  • If you are living in Mauritius/Reunion: Ensure you have adequate supplies of food, water, medications, and other essential supplies on hand. It is not unusual for stores and shops to close before, during and after a cyclone.  Check your generators and make sure you have an adequate supply of fuel; cut down any dead foliage and remove any debris around your home; secure any items that could become dangerous flying objects (patio furniture, umbrellas, barbeques, etc.); have the tools and supplies on hand to secure your house (plywood, nails, shutters, etc.).  Upper floors in high-rise buildings are at increased risk of windows being blown out due to wind speed increases with height.
  • If you are a tourist, talk to your hotel front desk to learn about the hotel’s emergency plan for a cyclone. Notify your family and friends of your whereabouts and your plans until the storm passes. [Call them when you are able to soon after the storm passes to reassure them you are fine.] Be sure to have an adequate supply of necessary prescriptions and medications on hand.

During the Storm:

  • Do not go outside, flying debris is lethal;
  • Do not watch the storm from beaches as storm surge, rip tides and rogue waves are hazardous;
  • Stay inside in an interior room of your residence;
  • Choose a room with little or no windows that is located away from the exterior wall of the residence;
  • Stay off your home/cell phone and radio.  Keep all means of communication available for an emergency;
  • If a member of your family sustains an injury during the storm, report the injury and degree of severity to the local authorities as soon as possible.

After the Cyclone:

  • Do not leave your shelter until the all-clear signals have been given by relevant Authorities;
  • Beware of fallen power lines, damaged buildings and trees and flooded water courses;
  • Do not consume fallen fruits;
  • Boil water for drinking purposes;
  • Drain out stagnant water to prevent proliferation of mosquitoes.

U.S. Citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Small craft operators should remain in port.

The U.S. Embassy in Port Louis is located on the fourth floor of the Rogers House, President John Kennedy Street, Port Louis, Mauritius.

The U.S. Consular Agency is located in the Oliaji Trade Centre, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles.

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy to Mauritius, Seychelles and Réunion:
Tel:  + (230) 202-4400 U.S. Embassy Port Louis, Mauritius
Tel:  + (230) 5 253 3641 After-hours life-and-death emergency number
Tel:  + (248) 422-5256 U.S. Consular Agency, Victoria, Seychelles
Email Consular Section U.S. Embassy Port Louis: PTLConsular@state.gov

Tel:  1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444 State Department – Consular Affairs

By | 21 December, 2018 | Topics: Alert

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