Mauritius woke up on Tuesday 13 October to closed schools, a silent Metro Express and buses parked in their depots. After a night of clashes in several parts of the island, anyone with a car had a way to work. Many without one were left stranded. Here is what drivers need to know today.

This information is correct as of Tuesday morning. The situation is moving quickly, so check official updates before you set off.

What happened overnight

Tensions had been building for days. Protests over water cuts in Camp-Levieux escalated after Élodie Thomas, a 27-year-old mother, was seriously wounded by a police bullet on her way home from work on Friday 9 October. The police sergeant involved has been arrested and remains in custody until 19 October. Her surgery was a success, though she remains in critical condition.

On Monday night, trouble broke out in Abercrombie and spread to Sainte-Croix, Cité Mangalkhan, Bambous, Petite-Rivière, Barkly and Grand-Gaube. Barricades went up, tyres were set alight, Molotov cocktails were thrown at Abercrombie police station, and a Metro Express tram had a window damaged at Barkly. Police report arrests and say the situation is now under control.

The roads: mostly open, with one exception

Police say all roads are passable this morning except in Bambous, near the District Court, where obstructions remain and officers are working to clear them. Police units are deployed across the island to keep road users safe.

Traffic will not behave as usual. Schools and crèches are closed, which takes the school run off the roads. But with no buses and no Metro, more commuters will be relying on lifts, taxis and family cars, so expect busier drop-off points and more people waiting at the roadside.

Public transport: at a standstill

Buses are not running and the Metro Express is not providing any service this morning. The Metro cannot resume until damage to the line has been inspected. Complaints on various social media forms are multiplying from commuters who have no other way to get to work.

There is a gap between the official line and reality. The police statement says public transport users can travel as normal. On the ground, that is not what people are finding. Business Mauritius has asked member companies to allow remote working and flexible hours where possible, while the civil service is keeping its usual hours.

Driving safely today

• Plan your route before leaving and avoid Bambous near the District Court until police confirm it is clear.

• Stay away from any area where crowds are gathering. If you meet a barricade or burning debris, turn around rather than trying to get past.

• Follow the instructions of officers on the ground.

• Keep doors locked and valuables out of sight in slow traffic.

• If you have spare seats, offer a lift to a colleague or neighbour left without a bus.

• Drive patiently. Many people on the road and at the roadside are stressed and running late.

Check your cover

Nights like this are a reminder to know exactly what your motor insurance covers. Damage from riots, strikes and civil commotion is not included in every policy. Some exclude it outright, others offer it as an extension. A few minutes with your policy schedule now can save a nasty surprise later.

Look out for each other

Today shows how quickly daily routines can unravel, and how much depends on a reliable way to get around. If you want to review your insurance or talk through your options,AutoCloud.mu can help. Above all, stay informed, stay patient, and look out for one another on the road.