Massive explosion and heavy rains cause devastation in Seychelles
A massive explosion at an industrial zone on Seychelles’ main island, Mahé, has left the area looking “as if we went through a war”, President Wavel Ramkalawan has said. The blast ripped through the area, flattening commercial buildings and wrecking nearby housing. No deaths have been reported so far, but one person is in intensive care.
The explosion occurred just after 02:00 local time at a construction and quarrying company, where explosives were being stored in four containers. The explosion was so large and loud that it left a hole 13 meters in the ground and damaged buildings up to 2.5 miles away, including the international airport. Schools are shut, hospitals closed to all but emergency cases, and over 170 casualties have been reported, with five people admitted to hospital and one in intensive care.
The state of emergency has been declared and lifted, and the only movement allowed is into and out of the holiday islands, as Seychelles’ economy is heavily reliant on tourism. Exceptionally heavy rain overnight has caused severe flooding and landslides, adding to the pressure on the island’s response teams. Three people died when their homes were destroyed, and sewage is flowing into the ocean, prompting warnings against swimming.
President Ramkalawan has called the twin disasters a “calamity” for the country and appealed for people to show solidarity to those affected. The government is working to provide aid and support to those affected by both the explosion and the heavy rains, and recovery efforts are underway.