This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21989070
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 2 | Version 3 |
---|---|
Deadly floods hit Mauritius capital Port Louis | Deadly floods hit Mauritius capital Port Louis |
(about 1 hour later) | |
At least 11 people have died after sudden rains caused flooding in the Mauritian capital Port Louis on Saturday, officials have said. | At least 11 people have died after sudden rains caused flooding in the Mauritian capital Port Louis on Saturday, officials have said. |
At least eight of the victims were caught in underground areas as the flood waters rose rapidly. Another died of a heart attack. | At least eight of the victims were caught in underground areas as the flood waters rose rapidly. Another died of a heart attack. |
The island's metereologists said 152mm (6in) of rain fell in less than an hour, 70mm less than the March average. | The island's metereologists said 152mm (6in) of rain fell in less than an hour, 70mm less than the March average. |
Prime Minister Navin Rangoolam declared 1 April a day of mourning. | Prime Minister Navin Rangoolam declared 1 April a day of mourning. |
Speaking on national radio, he said Mauritius was suffering badly from the effects of climate change. | Speaking on national radio, he said Mauritius was suffering badly from the effects of climate change. |
The floods caused chaos in the city, with a huge traffic jam paralysing its centre, L'Express de Maurice newspaper reported. | |
A BBC reporter in the city says the bodies of six people were recovered from a pedestrian subway and another two from an underground car park. | A BBC reporter in the city says the bodies of six people were recovered from a pedestrian subway and another two from an underground car park. |
Resident Ameeksha Dichand told the BBC she had been unable to go outside because it was raining so heavily, though people did venture out on Sunday to inspect the damage. | |
"The roads are blocked and there is mud everywhere. Trees have fallen all over the place," she said. | |
"If people couldn't rely on their neighbours so much to help them, then we would have lost more lives. I am so angry at the authorities." | |
More rain was expected on Sunday, and people were advised to stay at home. | |
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. |
Read the terms and conditions | Read the terms and conditions |