Seychelles declares state of emergency following huge explosion, flooding
The President of the Seychelles declared a state of emergency on Thursday following a blast at an explosives store which caused massive damage to an industrial zone on the country’s main island, Mahe.
The blast is coming at a time when the island is struggling with flooding triggered by heavy rains.
Speaking on national TV, President Wavel Ramkalawan called the twin disasters a “calamity” for the country and urged the citizens to show solidarity to those affected.
“Following an explosion at the CCCL explosives store that has caused massive damage to the Providence Industrial area and the surrounding areas and major destruction caused by flooding due to heavy rains, the President has declared a State of Emergency for today the 7th December,” President Wavel Ramkalawan’s office said in a statement.
“Everyone is being asked to stay at home. All schools will be closed. Only workers in the essential services and persons travelling will be allowed free movement.”
The government’s official tourist account on X said the international airport and ferries between its islands remained open to holidaymakers.
The Seychelles is a major tourist destination in Africa and is made up of 115 islands. The country has the least population in Africa with about 100,000 people.
