Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan has declared a state of emergency following a powerful explosion at an explosives depot coupled with relentless heavy rains wreaking havoc on an industrial zone and its environs.
A stern directive from Ramkalwan's office mandates a lockdown scenario, urging everyone to remain within the confines of their homes. The sweeping measures include the closure of all educational institutions, granting freedom of movement solely to essential service workers and individuals with valid travel reasons.
The aftermath of the explosion revealed a landscape scarred by "massive damage" in the Providence Industrial zone on Mahe's main island. Simultaneously, the deluge caused by intense rainfall left a trail of "major destruction" in its wake, amplifying the urgency of the state of emergency declaration.