Seychelles explosion leaves site looking 'as if we went through a war', President
Photo: Seychelles explosion leaves site looking like a war zone (Getty Images)
A huge explosion occurred at an industrial zone on Mahé, the main island of Seychelles, on Wednesday, leaving the area looking "as if we went through a war", President Wavel Ramkalawan says, according to BBC.
The devastating blast, and heavy rains causing flooding, led to a state of emergency being declared, later lifted.
What happened
The explosion, which happened around 02:00 local time, originated from a construction and quarrying company storing explosives in four containers.
"For the last 10 years there were major concerns about the stock of explosives [being held]," President Ramkalawan said. "Four containers of explosives blew off... My heart is heavy right now and I know many families are being affected...It was as if we went through a war."
Seychelles devastating blust (Getty Images)
President Ramkalawan previously mandated a stay-at-home order for all but essential workers. The blast, of immense magnitude, left a 13-meter hole in the ground, causing extensive damage to commercial buildings and residences in Providence, Petit Paris, and Cascade.
"The explosion was so so big and so loud... that it left a hole 13 meters in the ground... and blasted away windows, doors, roofs of many commercial buildings," Seychelles Minister of Fisheries Jean-François Ferrari said.
Seychelles devastating blust (Getty Images)
Even the international airport, situated 4km away, suffered damage. Schools are closed, hospitals accept only emergency cases, and over 170 casualties, mostly with minor injuries, were reported.
The island's sole permitted movement is in and out of holiday islands, crucial for Seychelles' tourism-dependent economy. Despite the accident, the Seychelles International Airport remains operational, and ferry services between islands continue for visitors.
Injuries and fatalities
While there have been no reported fatalities, more than 100 people were injured in the blast, according to The Washington Post.
Heavy rains and flooding
Severe overnight rain led to flooding and landslides, exacerbating challenges for the response teams. Three fatalities were reported as homes were destroyed, and sewage flowing into the ocean prompted warnings against swimming.
President Ramkalawan labeled the dual disasters a "calamity" for Seychelles and appealed for solidarity with the affected population.
The Seychelles
The Seychelles are located off the eastern coast of Africa. Being a major tourist destination, it is made up of 115 islands and is the least populous country in Africa with about 100,000 people. Mahé, a hub for visiting the other islands, is home to the capital Victoria.
