<span style="color: #222222;">A state of emergency has been declared in Seychelles, after a massive explosion at an industrial area on the main island, Mahé. The blast ripped through the zone, flattening commercial buildings and wrecking nearby housing, leaving a trail of devastation along Mahé island's east coast.<br />''Seychelles' President Wavel Ramkalawan has ordered everyone except essential workers to stay at home. A number of people have been injured. Several people have also been evacuated from their homes. The blast happened at a construction and quarrying company, where explosives were being stored in four containers.<br />''<br />''The international airport was also damaged, despite being 4km away. Schools are shut and hospitals are closed to all but emergency cases. The government's official 'Visit Seychelles' account on X said the international airport and ferries between its islands remained operational for tourists. <br />''<br />''The Seychelles, a major tourist destination, is made up of 115 islands and is the least populous country in Africa with about 100,000 people.<br />''<br />''Exceptionally heavy rain overnight has caused severe flooding and landslides, adding to pressure on the island's response teams. President Ramkalawan called the twin disasters a calamity for the country and appealed for people to show solidarity to those affected.</span><br />