Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan has declared a state of emergency in response to an explosion at an explosives warehouse and extensive flooding caused by heavy rains.
The declaration, made on Thursday, entails a stay-at-home directive, closure of all schools, and restricted movement only for essential workers and travelers.
The blast inflicted “massive damage” on the Providence Industrial zone and its vicinity on Mahe’s main island, while rain-induced flooding led to “major destruction.”
Although specific details are lacking, numerous injuries have been reported.
Seychelles, comprising 115 islands, is Africa’s least populated nation with 100,000 citizens.
Last year, on December 6, 2022, a fire destroyed seven artisanal fishing vessels in Seychelles, situated at the fishing port quay in Providence on Mahe, with no reported casualties.
The fishing port, valued at $11.52 million, was financed by the government of Japan to support increased artisanal and semi-industrial fishing activities in Seychelles.
