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The explosion was so big and loud, creating a 13-meter hole in the ground in the commercial zone. Many houses and commercial properties were damaged because of the blast. The blast had taken place amidst heavy rain and flooding, further complicating the situation
Seychelles lifted a state of emergency declared earlier in the day after a huge blast at an explosives depot, which injured over 170 people at 2 AM local time on Thursday (7th December). The incident took place in the industrial area of Providence in Mahé, a main island of the archipelago situated in the Indian Ocean.
The explosion was so big and loud, creating 13-meter holes in the ground in the commercial zone. Many houses and commercial properties were damaged because of the blast. The blast had occurred amidst heavy rain and flooding, further complicating the situation.
According to government sources, shops can now reopen and normal movement of the public resumed. Authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the matter. Reports indicate that four containers of explosives blew off and many families are being affected. No death has been reported.
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The international airport, which is situated 4 Km off the blast site was also affected. Schools are shut and hospitals are closed to all but emergency cases. Seychelles’ economy is heavily reliant on tourism. Reports also indicated that the Seychelles International Airport is still operational and ferry services between islands are operating for visitors. To add to the woes, there were heavy rains causing floods in low-lying areas. President Ramkalawan called the twin disasters a calamity for the country and appealed for people to show solidarity with those affected.
