A state of emergency has been declared in the Seychelles after a powerful explosion in an industrial area on the main island of Mahé, as well as flooding, UNN reports with reference to the BBC.
Details
The explosion occurred just after 2:00 local time on the territory of a construction and quarrying company where four containers were storing explosives. It leveled commercial buildings and destroyed nearby residential homes, leaving a devastating trail along the east coast of Mahe Island.
Seychelles' President Vavel Ramkalawan ordered all citizens, except essential workers, to stay at home. Several people were also evacuated from their homes. Several people were injured.
The international airport was also damaged, despite being located 4 km from the scene. Schools are closed and hospitals are closed to all but emergency cases. The only authorized movement is to and from the vacation islands. "The Seychelles International Airport is still open and there is a ferry service between the islands for visitors," the country's official account on X says.
At the same time, extremely heavy rain at night caused severe flooding and landslides, which increased the burden on the island's response teams. Three people died when their homes were destroyed. The flooding caused sewage to reach the ocean and people are being advised not to swim.
Speaking on national television, President Weiwel Ramkalawan called the two disasters a "disaster" for the country and called on people to show solidarity with the victims.
Recall
A mudslide in northern Venezuela killed 36 people in October.