Individuals urged to take greater responsibility as rainy season nears |27 September 2023

(L to r) ACP Desnousse, Mr Cetoupe and DG Songor during the press conference

As our rainy season nears, the Disaster and Risk Management Division (DRMD), in collaboration with the Local Government and the Seychelles Police, is emphasising the need for increased individual responsibility.

While the traditional rainy season in Seychelles typically runs from October to February, unusual weather patterns, including constant rain and thunderstorms in September, have been observed. The Seychelles Meteorological Authority (SMA) attributes this shift to the El Niño effect.

In response to public concerns about emergency response and reporting during adverse weather conditions, these three departments convened a joint press conference to reassure the public about available services.

Daniel Cetoupe from DRMD explained that unfortunately there are still some confusions out there. “We have been informing the public at different levels that any emergency in their district should be addressed to their district administrator. For some reasons, some people are not going through that channel. So together with the Seychelles Police, we agreed that the public can call 999 on the national emergency line and the SP will divert the call to the respective organisation.”

Mr Cetoupe said following the announcement made by the SMA that Seychelles is expecting to have more rain this coming season, it is important for each individual to take a greater role in assuring that their drainage system is working properly, trees around their homes are safe.

Director general at the Local Government, Romano Songor, added that at the Local Government level, there is already a structure that is functioning – the district emergency response team which includes the DA, the staff and the volunteers.  

“We also operate on a regional level and our centres are active in Grand Anse, Bel Air, Anse Aux Pins, Plaisance, Anse Etoile, Bel Ombre and Inner Islands. If the public needs any assistance, please get in touch with your DA. The situation will be assessed then we will respond. Unfortunately, people are still calling the DA’s office for minor incidents such as a fallen branch, etc. We are asking the public to evaluate the situation and help themselves to reduce the number of interventions.”

Mr Songor shared with the press that they received around 10 calls over the weekend. “This is due to the ongoing prevention and awareness programmes in all districts. We expect a rise in calls if rains keep falling. For trees, we work together with the Seychelles Land Transport Agency to make sure the roads are safe. If anyone feels that a tree might pose a threat, they can call on the emergency hotline also 2535349.”

At the Seychelles Police level, Assistant Commissioner of Police Antoine Desnousse urges the public to use the number 999 diligently in order to help all the people in need. “With the weather we are having, we understand that some people can have major issues and the SP will always be here to help.”

Another fact – when there is rain, the traffic worsens! ACP Desnousse encourages drivers to drive slowly, as some places will be blocked due to heavy rains. “We do not encourage people to speed and also think of leaving home earlier as during rainy season, expect the unexpected. We also ask the commuters to listen to the radio as if there is any blockage on the roads, we will use radio as a mean of communication. At night people should not wear dark rain coats and drivers should drive slowly so that they do not splash water on pedestrians.

The public is urged to remain vigilant during emergencies and refrain from panicking. The DRMD and the Local Government have been working closely to establish effective intervention protocols for such situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of Seychellois residents.

The time has come for each of us to inspect our homes for potential hazards that may arise during the rainy season. If your roof requires repair, take action promptly. If your drainage system needs cleaning, address it without delay. And if there are issues with your cables, resolve them now to avoid future regrets!

Vidya Gappy

Photo: Louis Toussaint