Best Pract: Disaster Risk Reduction & Management

UNDRR: Are You Ready?

Since 2000, disasters have disrupted the lives of over 1 billion children. More than 80,000 schools have been either destroyed or severely damaged, and the situation is worsening each year. ????

Disasters not only demolish schools and other infrastructure but also interrupt children's education, nutrition, and access to healthcare. It's crucial to prepare for both today and the future to ensure a safer environment for everyone. ?????

Schools should be secure environments where children can learn without fear. Every nation needs to take measures to enhance school resilience. ???? Teachers are vital in educating us about risks and ways to safeguard our families and communities.

Are you ready? Let's prepare and work together to build a safer, more resilient future!

Early Warning Systems

Case Study: “Managing Tsunami Risk”

Tsunamis pose a serious threat to Mauritius. The island nation is taking action to manage this risk. Since 2004 the government has been improving its tsunami early warning systems.

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Community-Based Disaster Risk Management

Case Study: "Flood Risk Management Measures in Mauritius"

Community-driven projects involve the local population in disaster preparedness and response activities, particularly flood management. These include training on emergency procedures, establishing local response teams, and conducting community drills.

 Webinar on Flood Risks Mitigation Measures in Mauritius

Integrated Coastal Zone Management

Case Study: "Coastal Erosion Control across Mauritius"

Riviere des Galets, a coastal village in southern Mauritius, faces severe impacts from rising sea levels and increasingly powerful waves, which have damaged seawalls and flooded homes. With UNDP funding, the government has rebuilt a stronger seawall to protect the area. Across Mauritius, beach erosion due to rising sea levels has led to thin beach strips and degraded sites. The Ministry of Environment has responded with beach re-profiling, rehabilitation, and erosion control projects, including installing reef balls at Mon Choisy beach to combat erosion. Coastal flooding also threatens low-lying areas like Grand Sable and Quatre Soeurs, causing property damage and stress for local communities.

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 BEACH EROSION IN MAURITIUS

Public Education and Awareness

Case Study: "National Disaster Preparedness Campaign"

The campaign involves various media, schools, and public events to educate the population on disaster risks and how to prepare for them. The initiative focuses on building a culture of safety and preparedness across the island.

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Simulation exercise 

Case Study: "tsunami simulation exercise"

A tsunami simulation exercise was conducted in the Flic en Flac region, organized by the Western Police Division and supervised by the Assistant Commissioner of Police of the Western Division, with support from the Branch Disaster Response Team of the Mauritius Red Cross Society. 

Training Programmes

Case Study: “Seismology and Tsunami warnings”

Documentary about the training program in seismology and tsunami warnings held at the Mauritius Meteorological Services in Vacos, Mauritius, from January 14-18, 2008. The training program is part of the Indian Ocean Tsunami warning System (IOTWS) that was developed to create "tsunami resilient" communities in the Indian Ocean region.

Climate Resilient Buildings

Case Study: “Practical Guide to Climate-Resilient Buildings”

Mauritius has revised its building codes to ensure that new constructions are resilient to cyclones and floods. This includes regulations on materials, design standards, and site selection to minimize damage during disasters.

Report

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Preparing for future Cyclones

Case Study: UNDRR - How is Mauritius preparing for future cyclones?  

Experts from Mauritius discuss the country's vulnerability to tropical cyclones in the southwest Indian Ocean. They emphasize the importance of public awareness to enable disaster managers to take necessary precautions. Through the dissemination of warnings, relevant stakeholders are informed of impending hazards. Activation of the National Emergency Operations Command by the NDRRMC ensures swift on-ground actions in response to approaching hazards.

Click HERE for NDRRMC's series of precautionary measures for Extreme Events. 

Emergency Response Training and Equipment

Case Study: "Emergency Response Training for National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre"

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre conducts regular training sessions for emergency responders, including simulations of natural disasters. This ensures that emergency personnel are well-prepared to manage and respond to incidents effectively.

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Use of Technology in Disaster Management

Case Study: "GIS Mapping for Disaster Risk Reduction"

Geographic Information System (GIS) technology is used to map disaster risks across Mauritius, including flood zones, cyclone paths, and vulnerable populations. This tool helps in planning, resource allocation, and response during emergencies.

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Rehabilitation and Recovery Programmes

Case Study: “Post-Cyclone Rehabilitation in Rodrigues”

Following significant cyclone damage, a rehabilitation program was launched in Rodrigues to restore essential services and infrastructure. The program included repairing homes, schools, and healthcare facilities, as well as restoring water and electricity supplies.

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Environmental Conservation as a Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy

Case Study: "Mangrove Restoration for Tsunami Protection"

Recognizing the role of mangroves in reducing tsunami impact, Mauritius has initiated mangrove restoration projects along its coastlines. These mangroves act as natural barriers against tidal surges and help in reducing the velocity of water.

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