by Pauline ETIENNE

Just like for cyclones, the authorities say that they can?t be liable for the irresponsible behaviour of citizens. To some extent, the National Coast Guard (NCG) is right. While cyclonic conditions are raging outside ? which Mauritians have had lots of opportunities to experience unlike the rather unknown tidal waves ? some people find nothing else to do than go and see what?s happening there. But does it prevent the authorities from doing their job of warning people that they should not go out? Definitely, no! All basic information must be given to the people before they decide if they will go swimming or in the open sea.

The meteorological services in Vacoas have not been able to predict how serious the waves would be during the weekend. The committee due to convene a meeting as soon as a natural disaster occurs is right to be furious not to have been warned by the station and should certainly see where the latter has been wrong. However, the climatic conditions are subject to major changes but the system, as it is now, does not cater for the problems these changes may bring along.

In Reunion, the system is already well established. Different colours of flags indicate the wind speed ? hence pointing at potential dangers of going into the sea. There is no such device here. Except for radio and television bulletins stating that ?people are strongly advised not to venture out in the open sea? ? when the meteorological station itself gets to know it on due time ? there is no structured system to warn people of the danger. Nothing indicates the level of danger people are incurring. And yet, people might be more responsive if such a system were applied here.

Making sure that all boats are properly equipped before leaving the shore could also be part of the solution. It should be a must that all of them have life jackets, a compass and a tool for distress purposes on board. Although this might be part of the instructions, I am not sure whether these regulations are firmly applied.

The problem is not specifically linked to the tidal waves of last weekend. All year long, we hear about people reported missing in the sea. There are too many deaths at sea and there is an urgent need to look for solutions to bring this number down ? the more so as nature becomes increasingly unpredictable. It is no secret that we, Mauritians, like defying the natural elements by going outside despite the advice of the meteorological services. But that should in no way mean that the authorities are spared from adopting proper safety measures.

Some problems may also be due to the fact that the authorities themselves are not equipped with the proper warning system of such violent eruptions of nature. The world is changing and humans may be realising more and more that they are nothing compared to nature. However, it is important that basic safety measures be applied to avoid catastrophes such as the one we witnessed last weekend.