Mauritius strengthens disaster preparedness and response capacities with regional support

A symbolic ceremony of the handover of emergency response equipment and Geographic Information System (GIS) training certificates was held, yesterday, at the headquarters of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre (NDRRMC), under the regional project “Resilience Building and Disaster Response Management in the Indian Ocean” (RDRM-IO).

Implemented under the aegis of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) with funding from the European Union (EU), the programme concerns Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles, with the participation of La Réunion/France. With funding to the tune of 6.85 million euros, the project aims at reducing the human, economic, social and environmental impacts of disasters and climate change in IOC Member States.

Present at the ceremony were the Ambassador of the EU to the Republic of Mauritius and to the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Oskar Benedikt; the Secretary General of the IOC, Dr Ibrahim Norbert Richard; the Director General of the University of Technology, Mauritius, Professor (Dr) Hemant Birandranath Chittoo; the Officer in Charge of the NDRRMC, Mr Premanand Budhoo; and representatives of relevant national institutions.

The programme, which aligns with the IOC Strategic Development Plan (2023–2033), has enabled Mauritius to benefit from emergency response equipment, IT and videoconferencing systems, GIS and drone training, as well as information panels for the National Emergency Operations Command (NEOC). The support targets the NDRRMC, the Special Mobile Force (SMF) and local authorities with a view to improving disaster preparedness, coordination and response capacities at both national and community levels.

In his address, Mr Oskar Benedikt stated that the project reflects the EU’s long-term commitment to supporting Mauritius in strengthening resilience against disasters and climate change. He noted that Mauritius, as a small island State, is increasingly exposed to floodings and cyclones, while stressing that disasters are often aggravated by uncontrolled urbanisation, poor water management and inadequate land use planning.

“Resilience is the common agenda that unites us,” he said, adding that stronger resilience requires the sharing of knowledge and reinforcement of capacities. He also underlined the growing importance of GIS technology in disaster preparedness and recovery, noting that the equipment provided would help first responders clear routes, conduct evacuations more safely and improve emergency data management. He reaffirmed that the EU stands alongside Mauritius as a long-standing partner in facing disaster-related challenges.

For his part, Dr Ibrahim Norbert Richard highlighted that countries of the Indian Ocean region are increasingly vulnerable to climate change, environmental degradation and rapid urbanisation. He recalled that events such as the flash floods of 30 March 2013 and cyclones like Belal have demonstrated the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in Mauritius. According to him, the equipment handed over under the RDRM-IO programme will contribute to improving coordination, data analysis and intervention capacities in disaster management.

Mr Premanand Budhoo, for his part, reiterated Government’s commitment to strengthening disaster risk reduction and management in Mauritius. He highlighted the importance of decentralising disaster management to the local level and noted that Municipal and District Councils have been equipped with chainsaws, pole-pruner chainsaws and water pumps to reinforce intervention capacities and improve assistance to communities during emergencies

Professor Chittoo recalled that the UTM was entrusted by the IOC with the implementation of a capacity-building programme for the NDRRMC. He indicated that 14 officers from the SMF, local authorities and the NDRRMC had benefited from GIS training, while emphasising that emerging technologies are essential for effective decision-making in disaster risk reduction. Future plans, he added, include training selected officers as trainers.

26 May 2026

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Topics: Weather, Environment