Pauline Etienne
14 September 2007
Port Louis — Long before the met station removed the vigilance warning, people were on the beach to see such an "unusual event". They were lucky enough that the huge waves did not reach our coasts.
The indisciplined people looking for spectacular experiences were lucky that the sea was quiet.
Shocking images of the 2004 tsunami must have hit most of our heads yesterday afternoon. This is probably why most Mauritians appeared very cautious following the meteorological services advice and made sure they did not go near the sea. However, this atmosphere of caution was quite short, as people could not refrain from going to see what was happening outside when they realised there were no dangerous waves.
The met station had been clear. Even if the tsunami warning in itself had been removed, a special warning of vigilance was to be maintained until noon yesterday and people were strongly advised not to venture out into the sea - or even on the beach.
However, even on Wednesday night, there were still people planning "to go to the seaside to see this unusual event". To some extent, it looked like a special outing to the beach with a few beer cans and some chips.
Others, who were far more cautious on Wednesday night and wisely stayed at home, almost regret not to have been out. "The met services just issue false warnings. Next time there will be such a warning, there will be no need to stay at home," claimed a 30 year-old worker in a petrol service station. And it is certain that he will stick to his plans in the future. And, if an incident had occurred, he would have then found a way of setting about the same met services afterwards and lay the responsibility for this incident at their doors.
If hotels, companies operating in the port and other tour operators - in fact, all professionals - were on the alert during the whole warning for vigilance, individuals appeared unconcerned about the potential dangers that could hit the country.
And yet, if Rodrigues felt the effects of the earthquake from Sumatra on Wednesday night, then Mauritius could have easily been hit as well. The Japanese communiqué that was received at Vacoas met station left no room for doubt and could leave nobody indifferent, as it mentioned the "possibility of a destructive tsunami in the Indian Ocean".
The police confirmed that there was no incident to be deplored during the period where the warning was on. But it was rather by chance than because of an awareness of the public. If a violent tsunami had indeed hit the coasts of Mauritius, there could have been several accidents.
The police found people on the beach who had gone to see what was on. "They were lucky enough that the situation did not degenerate because many people were out on the beach on Wednesday night and yesterday morning," revealed a police officer who was on duty.
The same type of reaction from people is often seen during cyclones. Even in the middle of cyclonic conditions, people still go out - either by mere curiosity to see what is happening outside. This may even be truer in the case of possible tsunamis where people "have never seen that before" and just want to be able to relate an extraordinary experience afterwards.
Just after Gamede, a police officer pointed at the "arrogance of some people" who feel they are strong as long as the danger has not hit them. In such cases, the police can interfere on a case-to-case basis if they are told some-one is in danger. However, they can't force anyone in, only on the ground that the meteorological station has issued a warning.
So, if people are not able to take their own responsibility, more severe legislation may be needed to make sure they are not putting their lives in danger.
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