President Wavel Ramkalawan said a major explosion at a construction company on Wednesday night (6 December) had caused huge damage to nearby areas. The situation has been compounded by days of heavy rain, which has caused sewage overflows.

“Everyone is being asked to stay at home,” the president said in a statement on Thursday (7 December). “Only workers in the essential services and persons travelling will be allowed free movement.”

The BBC reports Mahe’s international airport had sustained damage from the blast, despite being several miles away from the site of the explosion. It remains operational though, with flights arriving and departing. Ferry services are also operational.

The Foreign Office has urged Brits to “refrain from leaving” their accommodation until further notice, and cautioned tourists against swimming in northeastern coastal areas of the island due to an overflow of the sewage system.