11 die in flash floods in Port Louis, Mauritius-President Michel extends message of solidarity to Mauritius |02 April 2013

In his message to Mauritian Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, President Michel extended Seychelles’ solidarity with its sister island of Mauritius.

“In this time of national mourning, I want to personally assure you of our solidarity and support, as the people of Mauritius attempt to come to terms with this loss. Please accept on my own behalf and the people of Seychelles our deepest condolences on your terrible loss,” said the President.

The President said that the people of Seychelles and Mauritius are linked by more than just history; sharing a thread of kinship which means that such tragedies are keenly felt by all Seychellois families.

“We share your grief at this moment and extend to you our most heartfelt and sincere sympathies. The Mauritian people, and in particular those families who have lost loved ones, are in our thoughts and prayers. This tragedy comes at a time where our region is still reeling from a number of natural disasters – including the disastrous rains that struck Seychelles in the aftermath of the tropical depression Felleng in January and catastrophic destruction caused by cyclone Haruna in Madagascar in February. The vulnerability of our islands is further illustrated in the wake of these events,” said President Michel
He added that Seychelles will strengthen its resolve to further improve regional cooperation in disaster reduction and mitigation, while becoming even more determined to speak out strongly – and with one voice – against the catastrophic impact of climate change and extreme weather events on islands.

“Please rest assured of our support in this moment of great difficulty for the nation of Mauritius. I have every confidence that your personal resolve and leadership will also provide inspiration for Mauritius' society as a whole to emerge from this tragedy as a stronger, more united and determined society,” concluded President Michel.

Eleven people have died in floods caused by heavy rains and the Port Louis weather service reported that 152 millimetres of rain fell in an hour and a half. Torrential rain hit the island's capital Port Louis on Saturday.

The average rainfall for all of March was 220 millimetres. More heavy rain is predicted in the coming hours and the government has asked people to stay at home.

A day of national mourning was declared yesterday.

The following are some of photos of the flash floods and the damages caused.