The Seychelles declared a state of emergency on Thursday after a blast at an explosives depot, following destructive floods from the recent heavy rains in the East African nation.
The explosion, which took place on Mahé Island off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, “has caused massive damage” to an industrial area called Providence, the president’s office said in a statement. Most of the nation’s residents live on Mahé Island.
The blast caused windows to crack more than two miles away at a bed-and-breakfast next to Seychelles International Airport, said Tina Adrienne, the manager of The Runway Lodge. She said the blast had happened at about 2:15 a.m. local time. A three-star hotel less than a mile northwest from the explosion was closed on Thursday because of damage from the explosion.
The Civil Construction Company, where the office said the blast happened, has supplied crusher and quarry products to the construction industry since 1998, according to the company’s website.
Following the explosion, Seychelles authorities closed all schools and asked residents to stay at home, except for emergency and essential workers.
The Seychelles, which comprises about 115 tropical islands, is home to about 100,000 people.
The authorities in the Seychelles, a popular tourist destination, said that the airport and ferry services between islands remained in operation.
