Video: Devastating flash floods claim lives in Mauritius Major roads were blocked as surging floodwaters dragged away cars, forcing motorists to abandon them. Rivers of mud and debris covered the Canal Dayot suburb, where hundreds of families have been left homeless. Volunteers and charity workers helped shovel mud and handed out food and water to homeless survivors. Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam declared Monday a day of mourning. He earlier blamed climate change for the floods. He said there also was heavy property damage.