A national day of mourning has been declared on the island of Mauritius after at least 11 persons died in flashfloods that hit Mauritius this past weekend. The flooding occurred mainly in the capital city of Port Louis. Dramatic footage taken by amateur photographers show people being swept down streets that were turned into fast-flowing rivers. People were taken by surprise after 252 millimeters (10 inches) of rain fell in fewer than 2 hours, leading to a surge in water levels. Most of those who died had been underground in car parks or subways.

A special appeal has been issued by the Paille-en-Queue Social Club of Air Mauritius to meet the needs of the people affected by the floods – particularly children. Necessities will be procured including food, medicines, clothing, and educational materials.

Maga Ramasamy, Manager of Air Mauritius Human Resources and Employee Service, and President of the Paille-en-Queue Social Club of Air Mauritius, asks that you, “Please donate generously to the PEQ Relief Fund by contributing whatever amount you would wish to give.”

The Air Mauritius Social Club is a member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners.

Persons wishing to make a donation or to provide any assistance and support are asked to send an email to: [email protected] or [email protected] .

The ICTP Chairman, Juergen T. Steinmetz, and President, Professor Geoffrey Lipman, sent a letter of support to the Hon. Michael Yeung Sik Yuen, Minister of Tourism, Mauritius. Mauritius is an ICTP destination member.

In addition, the Founder and President of the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (IIPT), Louis D’Amore, stated: “Maga Ramasamy is also President of the IIPT Indian Oceans Chapter. Your contribution in solidarity with the people of Mauritius at this difficult time would be most helpful and appreciated.”

Louis D’Amore and Maga Ramasamy are both members of the ICTP advisory board.