Seychelles explosion damage assessed at $15m, UAE offers help
Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan has said that reconstructing areas destroyed by the December 7 explosion at the Providence Industrial Estate will cost the country about SCR200 million ($15 million).
On December 7, Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, experienced two major disasters simultaneously. Following several days of heavy rainfall, the northern region of the main island of Mahe encountered rockslides, landslides, and flooding, resulting in three fatalities, Seychelles News Agency reported.
"430 houses have been visited and there are possibly more. The number of residents we estimate have been affected is around 1,400 and 43 houses are severely damaged, 118 less severe, and 269 needed minor repair. There is an expert already in the country working closely with the police. We are also looking for people who will be able to make the analysis afterwards," Ramkalawan told reporters.
Meanwhile, a delegation from the United Arab Emirates visited the country to assess the ruins and hold strategic discussions on how to help Seychelles recover from the incident.
"Following discussions, the delegation guided by President Ramkalawan, visited some of the affected sites around the island and one of the shelters currently hosting some of the citizens who have been temporarily relocated," said the government.
Ramkalawan also mentioned that Seychelles has received assistance from two friendly nations – Mauritius, which donated $50,000, and Rwanda, which contributed $300,000. Additionally, the United Kingdom has assisted in the investigation of the explosion.
"There is an expert already in the country working closely with the police. We are also looking for people who will be able to make the analysis afterward," he added.
