Cyclone Belal Strikes Mauritius: A Wake-Up Call for Climate Change
By Shailesh Jhugroo, January 15, 2024
Port Louis, Mauritius — A nation accustomed to cyclonic weather faced an unexpected challenge on Monday with the arrival of Cyclone Belal. As videos of the disaster circulated on social media, the shocking reality of the event became painfully clear. Tragically, two lives were lost to the rising waters. In the aftermath, the director of meteorological services resigned, becoming a mere scapegoat for the government's broader mismanagement.
This incident, an unusual and freak cyclone, serves as a stark warning of what lies ahead. With global temperatures on the rise, such occurrences are predicted to become more frequent. Mauritius, situated on the frontline of climate change, experiences these consequences directly. The island's weather, driven by southeast trade winds, now carries higher humidity due to polar melting, resulting in increased rainfall and a wetter environment.
Drawing parallels to a documentary depicting houses being washed away on India’s coastline, where over 30% of the shoreline is deemed vulnerable, it becomes evident that climate change poses a grave threat. The impact is not a distant future; it is happening now. Reflecting on personal experience, I chose to forego a trip to the capital, Port Louis, on that fateful Monday—a decision that might have saved me from being stranded in the car, and possibly from death.
The urgency of addressing climate change cannot be overstated. Mere lip service is insufficient, and distractions like wars divert attention from the real crisis at hand. It's time to prioritize concerted efforts and take meaningful action to combat climate change, safeguarding our communities and the planet for future generations.
As Mauritius rebuilds and mourns, the lessons from Cyclone Belal should guide us all. We must acknowledge the reality of our changing climate and work together to mitigate its impacts. Our survival and the well-being of future generations depend on it.
