Emergency declared after explosive depot blast in Seychelles leaves scores injured

New Delhi, Dec 7: Seychelles President Ramkalawan declared a State of Emergency on Thursday, December 7, responding to a massive explosion that jolted the Providence Industrial Area and adjacent districts injuring around a hundred residents.

The explosion occurred at the explosive store of Civil Construction Company Ltd. (CCCL), leaving at least 100 individuals injured, with several already admitted to Seychelles Hospital.

The Providence Industrial Area, situated on Mahé Island off the East African nation's eastern coast in the Indian Ocean, bore the brunt of the blast, causing widespread destruction.

The president's office reported "massive damage" to the industrial zone, where the majority of the nation's residents reside. The severity of the incident was underscored by a Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) member, who likened the scene to a "war zone" and emphasized the potentially higher casualties if the explosion had occurred during daylight hours.

The aftermath revealed streets strewn with debris, resembling shattered metal pipes, while nearly every building in the industrial zone sustained significant damage.

The impact extended to the airport, which also suffered damages. Prompt response from soldiers and policemen secured the area, facilitating evacuation measures. President Ramkalawan visited the site at 4 a.m. before proceeding to Seychelles Hospital to meet the injured.

Concurrently, heavy rainfall led to extensive flooding across Mahé, resulting in two deaths overnight.

Seychelles comprises around 115 tropical islands and is home to approximately 100,000 people, the Seychelles is a renowned tourist destination and remains quite busy during Christmas and new year holidays.

The gravity of the incident and the ongoing natural calamity have prompted a coordinated emergency response as Seychelles grapples with the dual challenges of an explosive disaster and destructive floods.