Seychelles President Ramkalawan declares emergency after blast on island Mahe
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Seychelles’ President Wavel Ramkalawan on Thursday declared a state of emergency after a blast at an explosives store wrecked buildings and caused “massive damage” to an industrial zone on the main island Mahe.
Authorities said that the explosion shook the island as heavy rains triggered flooding which killed at least two people.
“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,” added the statement.
According to the Seychelles government’s post on X, the international airport and ferries between its islands remained operational for tourists.
Media footage showed streets covered in deep mud and strewn with debris and uprooted trees.
The Seychelles, a major tourist destination, is made up of 115 islands and is the least populous country in Africa with about 100,000 people.
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Published: 07 Dec 2023, 03:02 PM IST
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