Seychelles declares an emergency after deadly flooding and a huge blast at an explosives depot

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The Seychelles, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, has declared a state of emergency following a tragic sequence of events. Firstly, heavy rainfall and flooding occurred, resulting in the loss of three lives and significant damage to properties, including the tragic incident of two individuals being trapped in their home due to the rising waters. Subsequently, a massive explosion rocked the industrial area of Providence, located approximately 7 kilometers southeast of the capital, Victoria. This explosion, which took place at 2 a.m., caused injuries to 178 people, though thankfully, there were no reported fatalities.

The explosion, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency, caused substantial destruction, including the destruction of buildings, the uprooting of trees, and the creation of a substantial crater. President Wavel Ramkalawan cited both the flooding and the explosion as reasons for the emergency declaration. In response, schools have been ordered to close, and citizens have been instructed to remain at home. This measure is aimed at providing essential workers and emergency services the necessary space to carry out their duties effectively.

The health ministry reported that those injured in the explosion at Providence had sought medical treatment. Notably, a police officer was receiving intensive care. President Ramkalawan described the scale of the damage as immense, and many families have had to vacate their homes for safety reasons. He expressed his shock at the aftermath, likening it to the aftermath of a war.

The explosion is believed to have been caused by four containers of explosives, and an investigation will be conducted to determine if the construction company responsible for housing the explosives had followed proper storage protocols.

Seychelles, known for its natural beauty and tourism industry, is grappling with this disaster, which adds to the challenges faced by the East African region due to heavy rainfall and flooding. Several countries in the region, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan, have experienced devastating floods, leading to loss of life and displacement of millions. Scientists have pointed out that human-caused climate change has exacerbated these catastrophic rains in East Africa, making them more intense.

Despite the emergency situation, the international airport and ferry services between islands in Seychelles remain operational to facilitate necessary travel during this critical time. This incident underscores the vulnerability of small island nations to natural disasters and the need for coordinated efforts to mitigate such risks.

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More about Seychelles Emergency

• Seychelles declares state of emergency
• Explosion and flooding in Seychelles
• President Ramkalawan’s emergency measures
• Investigation into Seychelles explosion
• Impact of climate change on East Africa
• Operational transportation services in Seychelles