A state of emergency has been declared in Seychelles, after a massive explosion at an industrial area on the main island, Mahé, as well as flooding.
The blast ripped through the zone, flattening commercial buildings and wrecking nearby housing, leaving a trail of devastation along Mahé island's east coast.
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 just after 02:00 local time (22:00 GMT Thursday) at a construction and quarrying company, where explosives were being stored in four containers.
The international airport was also damaged, despite being 4km (2.5 miles) away. Schools are shut and hospitals closed to all but emergency cases.
The only movement allowed is into and out of the holiday islands.
"The Seychelles international Airport is still operational and ferry services between islands are operating for visitors," the country's official account said on X.
The UK government has advised its citizens on the island of Mahé to remain indoors until further notice.
Exceptionally heavy rain overnight has caused severe flooding and landslides, adding pressure on the island's response teams.
Three people died when their homes were destroyed.
The deluge has caused sewage to flow into the ocean and people are being advised not to swim.
Speaking on national TV, President Wavel Ramkalawan called the twin disasters a "calamity" for the country, and appealed for people to show solidarity to those affected.
Latest Stories
-
Samson’s Take: Arrogance of Power, Shameful Policing
6 hours -
Burnley score late to draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford
8 hours -
Bayer Leverkusen extend unbeaten run to 46 games after draw with Stuttgart
8 hours -
Chelsea come from two goals down to draw against Aston Villa
8 hours -
Andre Ayew scores in Le Havre’s 3-3 draw with PSG
8 hours -
GPL 2023/24: Kotoko draw with Medeama; Samartex go 7 points clear of Nations FC
8 hours -
Mahama cuts sod for construction of new multipurpose Jakpa palace in Damongo
9 hours -
NSS management assists Papao fire victims
9 hours -
EXPLAINER: Will dumsor end soon?
10 hours -
IMANI Africa takes on EC, accuses it of lying and publishing half truths
11 hours -
Manasseh Azure calls for investigation and prosecution of those responsible for GRA/SML contract
11 hours -
Kwesi Atuahene: Ghana’s health capital depends on HealthTech – Africa Center for Digital Transformation
11 hours -
13 signs your wife is planning on leaving you and you have no idea
11 hours -
IMANI Africa: Ghana’s EC’s dangerous and pathological conduct
12 hours -
If I speak there will be fire – Salah on Klopp row
12 hours