MAHE ISLAND: A huge explosion at an explosives depot in Seychelles on Thursday wounded 66 people and brought down buildings, prompting the country’s “shocked” president to declare a state of emergency for much of the day.
The archipelago — famous for its idyllic white beaches and high-end tourism — is also grappling with landslides and flooding due to heavy rainfall which have killed two, President Wavel Ramkalawan said.
The explosion happened in the Providence industrial area in Mahe, the largest island in the Indian Ocean country, causing massive damage at the site and to surrounding areas, the presidency said in a statement.
It said that following a blast at the CCCL explosives store that has caused huge damage, and major destruction caused by flooding becauseof heavy rains, the president has declared a state of emergency for today the 7 December.
The statement added that all schools will be shut down. Only workers in the necessary services and persons travelling will be allowed free movement. This is to allow the emergency departments to carry out necessary.
Life resumes in Seychelles
Later in the day, Ramkalawan announced to lift the state of emergency.
The president told reporters that as of now, the country is no longer in a state of emergency, which means that the shops can re-open and the public’s normal movement can be resumed with the exception of the Providence industrial area.
The blast, which occurred before dawn, was heard several kilometres away, with the force of the explosion smashing windows of nearby homes, shops, and banks. 66 people have been reportedly admitted to hospital.
Videos broadcast on television showed broken glass and sheet metal debris scattered on site.
