From the start of the fire, the origin of which remains unknown, a crisis unit was activated by the TAAF prefecture, mobilizing the zone headquarters, the Sdis (departmental fire and rescue service) of Reunion, Cross (regional operational surveillance and rescue center), Météo France and the armed forces of the southern Indian Ocean zone. At the same time, the 31 people present on the island were evacuated on the fishing vessel Austral. No injuries were reported.
Weather forecast not favorable
The fire reached the scientific base during the day of January 16. Although the buildings were spared at this stage, several critical infrastructures were damaged, including the firefighting water collector, the power supply to the water treatment systems and the satellite links.
The weather forecast for the coming days is not favorable. Indeed, further strengthening of the wind and limited precipitation are expected, before an expected calm on Sunday afternoon. The Marion Dufresne, a TAAF supply ship chartered by Ifremer as part of an oceanographic mission, is currently en route from the Kerguelen archipelago. He is expected on Amsterdam Island during the night from Friday to Saturday and should take care of the evacuated personnel.
Maritime solidarity praised
At the same time, a study is underway with the armed forces of the southern Indian Ocean zone to consider a mission on site in the coming weeks, with an Sdis detachment, in order to assess the situation, both on the base and in its environment.
-The senior prefect and administrator of the TAAF wanted to salute the commitment of the teams on site, the maritime solidarity, “which made it possible to manage this crisis in particularly difficult conditions, and the valuable support provided by all the actors mobilized in management of this crisis.
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