Seychelles President, Wavel Ramkalawan, has declared a state of emergency, ordering all citizens except essential workers to stay at home following an explosion at a store and flooding caused by heavy rain.
"The President has declared a state of emergency for today, December 7, following an explosion at the CCCL explosives store that has caused massive damage and major destruction caused by flooding due to heavy rains.
"All schools are going to be closed. The only people who will be able to move freely are those who work in essential services and travelers. This will enable the emergency services to complete necessary tasks," a statement on Thursday said.
The statement did not provide additional details, but it stated that the explosion happened in the Providence industrial area of Mahe, the largest island in the Indian Ocean archipelago, and that it severely damaged the area and its environs.
"The ferry services between islands are operating for visitors, and the Seychelles International Airport is still operational," the tourism-dependent country said on its official 'Visit Seychelles' account on X.
The Seychelles, a former British colony consisting of 115 islands, is the richest country in Africa in terms of GDP per capita as of 2021, according to World Bank data.
The British government has advised its citizens who are currently in Mahe to stay indoors.
It said: "A state of emergency has been declared for December 7th due to heavy rains and an industrial accident that occurred during the night of December 6th. You should stay inside your lodging until further notice if you are visiting the island of Mahé in the Seychelles."
"Swimming in the northeastern sea of the island of Mahé is currently not advised due to an overflow of the sewage system caused by heavy rains. You should follow advice from the local authorities as the situation progresses."
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