- Written by Patrick Muirhead
- Victoria, Seychelles
Watch: CCTV shows the moment of a huge explosion in Seychelles
A massive explosion occurred in an industrial area on Seychelles’ main island of Mahe, leaving the place looking “as if we were fighting a war,” President Wavell Ramkalawan said.
It swept through the area, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
No deaths have been reported so far, but one person is in intensive care.
The explosion, along with flooding caused by torrential rain, led to the declaration of a state of emergency, which has now been lifted.
Earlier on Thursday, President Ramkalawan ordered everyone except essential workers to stay home.
The explosion occurred just after 02:00 local time (22:00 GMT on Wednesday) at a construction and quarrying company, where explosives were stored in four containers.
“Four containers of explosives exploded… My heart is heavy now and I know that so many families have been affected. I was shocked to see Providence, Paris and Cascade in such a state. It was as if we had been through a war.”
Describing the size of the explosion, Seychelles Fisheries Minister Jean-François Ferrari said: “The explosion was so large and so powerful… that it left a 13-metre-deep crater in the ground… and led to the destruction of windows, doors and windows.” Rooftops of many commercial buildings.”
The explosion occurred in the area, leveling commercial buildings and destroying nearby residences
The international airport was also damaged, despite being 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) away. Schools are closed and hospitals are closed to all but emergency cases.
There were reports of more than 170 casualties, most of whom sustained minor injuries. Five people were taken to hospital, one of them in intensive care.
The only movement allowed is in and out of the holiday islands. Seychelles’ economy relies heavily on tourism.
Exceptionally heavy rains overnight caused severe flooding and landslides, increasing pressure on response teams on the island.
Three people died when their homes were destroyed.
The deluge caused sewage to flow into the ocean, and people were advised not to swim.
President Ramkalawan described the two disasters as a “disaster” for the country and appealed to people to show solidarity with those affected.
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