Seychelles lifts state of emergency measure after explosion, rains, flooding in northern region

Seychelles’ President Wavel Ramkalawan announced Thursday afternoon that the African country was no longer under state of emergency after the northern region of Mahe was earlier in the day the scene of an explosion in a storage area for explosives and damages caused by heavy rains and flooding.

Ramkalawan declared a state of emergency in the archipelago earlier in the day. The move came after an explosion at the CCCL (Construction Chemicals and Commodities Limited) explosives store that has caused massive damage to the Providence area and the surrounding areas and major destruction caused by flooding due to heavy rains.

“As of now, the country is no longer in a state of emergency, meaning shops can now open and normal circulation of the public can resume, except at the Providence Industrial Estate,” said Rakalawan in the afternoon.

The African leader also indicated that with regards to the explosion incident, 202 people from the affected area have been removed from their homes, and that several local businesses, hotels, and individuals offered them temporary shelter, the State-run news agency added.

The various incidents reportedly caused injuries to 178 people who were treated in health centers. One individual, a police officer, is still in the intensive care unit, while seven were admitted to the Seychelles Hospital.

About the explosion, the leader also announced that investigations are underway to determine the causes. Ramkalawan also announced the opening of a relief fund called the 7th December Disaster Fund, in which people in Seychelles or abroad can make monetary donations in Seychelles rupees, US dollars, British pounds and euros.