Mauritius floods kill at least 11 people in capital Port Louis

Mauritius officials have said that at least 11 people have died after sudden rains caused flooding in capital Port Louis on Saturday.

At least eight of the victims were caught in underground areas as the flood waters rose rapidly. Another died of a heart attack.

Mauritius’ meteorologists said 152 mm (6 in) of rain fell in less than an hour, 70 mm less than the March average.

Prime Minister Navin Rangoolam declared April 1 a day of mourning.

Speaking on national radio, Navin Rangoolam said Mauritius was suffering badly from the effects of climate change.

The floods caused chaos in Port Louis, with a huge traffic jam paralyzing its centre, L’Express de Mauritius newspaper reported.

The bodies of six people were recovered from a pedestrian subway and another two from an underground car park.

More rain is expected on Sunday, and people have been advised to stay at home.

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