§ Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the latest position in Mauritius following the recent cyclone.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe cyclone which struck Mauritius on 27th and 28th February was the most severe ever recorded in the island's history. There were over 1,700 casualties. I regret to say that 42 people were killed and 95 seriously injured. Over 100,000 buildings are reported to have been destroyed or seriously damaged. Many people who have lost their homes have found shelter with friends or relations but approximately 70,000 out of the island's total population of 600,000 are now in refugee centres. The road network, the water and electricity supplies, and telephone communications were disrupted. It is estimated that as much as 60 per cent. of50W the year's sugar crop may prove to have been lost. The Government's tea factory was badly damaged and 20 per cent. of the year's tea crop will probably have been lost.
Immediate relief and repair work is making good progress. The construction of temporary shelters for the homeless has begun, registration of all homeless families is being carried out and arrangements are in hand for an initial distribution of clothing. Road clearance is complete, about 90 per cent. of the water supply system is now restored and electricity is available at key points in the main urban areas.
The Governor of Mauritius has, throughout, been in close touch with the Governor of Kenya, and urgently-needed relief supplies have been flown from Nairobi in R.A.F. aircraft. Food, blankets, bedding, clothing and medical supplies were also brought in by H.M.S. Gambia, and by the French training cruiser Jeanne d'Arc. Further supplies were flown in by the French Air Force from Madagascar on behalf of the British community there, and a cargo of clothing, bedding and household utensils given by the Government of India arrived in Mauritius at a time when it was most required. In the provision of urgently-needed supplies and in carrying out immediate relief work the Mauritius Government has also had invaluable help from the Red Cross. Sufficient supplies, including food supplies, to meet immediate requirements are now available in Mauritius or are on the way.
British and French naval personnel from Gambia and Jeanne d'Arc have been helping with the restoration of power and telephone lines, with the repair of the main reservoir in the island, with health measures, and with street clearance. The Governor tells me that they have been working side by side and that they have given a practical demonstration of international comradeship, which has been a source of inspiration and encouragement to the people of Mauritius. On behalf of Her Majesty's Government I should like to endorse the expressions of gratitude which have been made by the Mauritius Government for all the help given by the French Government and by so many other governments and organisations.