A state of emergency has been declared in Seychelles, after a massive explosion at an industrial zone 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 all citizens 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.