Seychelles declare a state of emergency after explosion in explosives depot

The Seychelles declared a state of emergency on Thursday after an explosion at an explosives warehouse, following devastating flooding caused by recent heavy rains in the East African country.

The explosion, which occurred in an industrial area called Providence on Mahé Island off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, “caused enormous damage,” the president’s office said in a statement. Most of the country’s inhabitants live on the island of Mahé.

The Civil Construction Company, where the office says the explosion occurred, has supplied crusher and quarry products to the construction industry since 1998. website.

Following the explosion, Seychelles authorities closed all schools and asked residents to stay home, with the exception of emergency and essential workers.

The Seychelles, which comprise approximately 115 tropical islands, are home to approximately 100,000 people.

Authorities in the Seychelles, a popular tourist destination, said the Seychelles International Airport and inter-island ferry services remained in operation.

This is a development story.