2023-12-07 08:10:32
Updated7. December 2023, 09:10
State of emergency in Seychelles: Explosion leaves dozens injured – two dead in landslide
A state of emergency has been declared in the Seychelles following an explosion on the premises of a construction company. At the same time, the island paradise is threatened by floods.
Explosives stored on the premises of a construction company exploded on the island of Mahé.
20Min
That’s what it’s regarding
Dozens of people were injured in an explosion in the Seychelles.
At the same time, heavy rains have triggered landslides, some of which were fatal.
President Wavel Ramkalawan has declared a state of emergency.
Dozens of people were injured in an explosion on the premises of a construction company in the holiday paradise of Seychelles on Thursday. Two more people also died in a landslide following heavy rain. President Wavel Ramkalawan declared a state of emergency. All shops and schools on the island of Mahé should remain closed to keep the roads clear for rescue work, the government announced.
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…there was a huge explosion in an industrial area.
A reader received these pictures…
20min/News-Scout
The explosion occurred in the early morning hours in the Providence industrial area. According to the government, the construction company stored explosives on the site. Buildings within a radius of regarding one kilometer were damaged. According to local media reports, the international airport is also affected. The Foreign Minister of the neighboring island of Mauritius, Maneesh Gobin, promised the Seychelles his government’s help.
In addition, according to the presidency, a landslide caused by heavy rain in the north of Mahé destroyed roads and made them inaccessible. It was said that the mud avalanche killed two people on Thursday night. The government warned of possible contamination of tap water.
The Seychelles are a group of islands in the Indian Ocean around 1,800 kilometers off the coast of Kenya, popular for their clear, turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.
Statement from the EDA
The FDFA is aware of the explosion of an explosives warehouse in Providence (Seychelles). So far there is no information regarding possible Swiss victims. The Swiss representation in Antananarivo is monitoring developments in the situation and is in contact with the responsible local authorities. Swiss nationals on site are required to follow the instructions of the local authorities. Pierre-Alain Eltschinger, media spokesman for the EDA
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(DPA/dmo)
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