The new year crept in with new hopes as far as the weather over here is concerned. It’s been too dry and hot during the last few months. Enough. The absence of rain coupled with high evaporation rate has considerably depleted our reservoirs. December did bring but a few drops of rain, although Celina passed by with little significance.
But the new year heralds well. On the very first day we had about 2 inches of rain. Cloud masses started to grow in the region and led to the formation of low pressure systems in the vicinity.
After a short break as from the 2nd January, the downpour has taken up again since yesterday. Figures available from the local weather services indicate about 2 inches of rainfall around the main reservoir. In some regions more than 4 inches were recorded. But these do not seem sufficient for replenishing the reservoirs, which are still well below their capacity. The authorities are still worried about the water distribution and management strategies.
The cloud bands associated with the low pressure system which passed to the west of Mauritius last night are still extending over the region. We do expect some more inches by tomorrow.
This time of the year is crucial for our water collection and management. It’s during this time that we can expect the most significant falls to allow the reservoirs to tune up to their full capacity. It’s during this time also that the drought is most dreaded. The big dark clouds haven’t shown themselves yet. There’s still some hope, until March.
Alfa King MemoriesREVOLUTIONARY WIRELESS READING DEVICE
Mauritian residing in Rodrigues, Amanoola Khayrattee (pen name Alfa King) is contributing writer and journalist to La Gazette Mag de l’océan indien and This Week News Mauritius.
Retired, former meteorological cadre, trade unionist and OSH consultant, Amanoola has written for in-house union and other journals, publications and magazines. He runs two blogs since 2007: “Alfa King Memories”, and “Le Journal d’Alfa King”. When he is not reading or writing, he is on a 10+ km daily hike in anticipation of his monthly trails.
Amanoola may be reached at [email protected].
I hope you get some much needed rain soon. Wish I could sent you some of ours, it’s pouring here.
I appreciate your generosity. Thank you very much indeed.