07 December 2023 , 14:00
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A massive explosion has ripped through the Seychelles, prompting a state of emergency as buildings have been flattened in the popular holiday hotspot.
The explosion overnight in the industrial area of Providence, southeast of the capital, Victoria, caused "massage damage" to it and surrounding areas, President Wavel Ramkalawan’s office said in a statement, which ordered the state of emergency. It ordered people to stay at home to give emergency services space to work. Many buildings in the vicinity of the explosion were badly damaged and some were flattened completely by the blast.
"Everyone is being asked to stay at home", the statement said. "All schools will be closed. Only workers in the essential services and persons traveling will be allowed free movement. This is to allow the emergency services to carry out essential work."
Damaged infrastructure is seen following an explosion in the Seychelles (AFP via Getty Images)It comes as three people have also died in flooding on the island which is not connected, local media reported, which was mostly affecting the northern part of the main island of Mahe, according to reports in the Seychelles Nation newspaper. Authorities said the island’s international airport and ferry services were still operating to allow people to travel if they had to. Seychelles is a collection of islands off the east coast of Africa with a population of just over 100,000, with most people living on Mahe.
"Four containers of explosives blew off... My heart is heavy right now and I know many families are being affected. I was shocked to see Providence, Petit Paris and Cascade in such a state. It was as if we went through a war", Ramkalawan said. The international airport was also damaged, despite being 2.5 miles away. Schools are shut and hospitals are closed to all but emergency cases.
Mum and daughter are the only passengers in standard class on whole flight
"The Seychelles international Airport is still operational and ferry services between islands are operating for visitors," the country's official account said on X formerly known as Twitter. The UK government has also advised its citizens on the island of Mahé to remain indoors until further notice.
Much of the East African region has been hit by heavy rainfall and deadly flooding. Hundreds have died across the region and millions have been displaced since the rains began in late October. Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan have all experienced raging floods that have been made worse by the El Niño phenomenon. More than 130 people have died in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia.
We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video in this breaking news story.