Cyclone Garance: A call for regional cooperation to strengthen resilience

The passage of Cyclone Garance revealed contrasting impacts between Mauritius and Reunion Island. While Mauritius was relatively spared, Reunion Island recorded a significant human and material toll. This underlines the need for regional cooperation to better anticipate and manage cyclone risks.

The two islands, exposed to the same climatic phenomena, must set up joint mechanisms to deal with extreme events. Among the solutions envisaged are disaster simulation exercises, the sharing of real-time meteorological data and the establishment of common analysis and coordination platforms. These initiatives could be supported by World Bank financing mechanisms, thus making it possible to strengthen infrastructure and develop rapid response mechanisms.

Experts stress the importance of strengthened cooperation. Subiraj Sok Appadu, former Director of the Vacoas Meteorological Station, emphasizes that it is essential to integrate the human aspect into forecasts. Integrated disaster management is also considered necessary, involving meteorological services, civil protection and local authorities. In addition, it is recommended to strengthen risk education for populations living in coastal areas.

Faced with warmer oceans and more violent storms, the two regions could benefit from their geographical proximity and technical complementarities. Close cooperation is essential to anticipate, respond and rebuild in the face of future storms.