cyclones in mauritius

Cyclones in Mauritius

While the south-east trade wind blows the whole year through and actually is a harmless and even pleasant event, in case of the cyclones the situation gets serious.

They are also winds that are originated by the strong sun radiation, but they are tremendously more fiercely and destructive. Cyclones are originated during the months January up to March, when the sun is already returning from the southern tropic in direction to the northern tropic; While the sun is positioned for a short time vertically in the sky above the equator, thus only passes it briefly, it spends more time in the area of the tropics, as the sun gets there, turns around and slowly returns . The consequence is that the air and water temperatures strongly increase.

According to statistics, Mauritius is in the centre of a cyclone only every 5 years. Still, every year the island is hit by the remnants of 3 to 5 storms. Most frequently, cyclones form on the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn where the body of water heats up to 26°C for longer periods of time.

During the period of the cyclone the water temperature and on the surface evaporates much quicker than the water in underlying layers. High cloud towers build and are put into motion by the rotation of the earth. These clouds bring storm and heavy rainfalls.

If such a cyclone approaches the island, one should immediately look for a shelter. The rural inhabitants that live in some instable huts, search for shelter in public office buildings or churches. Hotels have to bring into safety everything what is not cast-iron. On the sea, metres-high waves are formed, torrential rainfalls descend on the island, the wind takes the roofs and the trees...