Seychelles Records 145 Flooding and Landslide Cases After Heavy Rain

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Seychelles recorded a total of 145 cases of flooding, rockslides and landslides from Friday to Sunday in the central and northern parts of Mahé, following days of persistent heavy rainfall. The Office of the Vice President is coordinating the national response and mitigation efforts in the affected areas. Several families have been displaced and are receiving temporary shelter and supplies.

The cases were mostly concentrated in the districts of St Louis, Mont Buxton, English River, Perseverance, Anse Etoile and Glacis. Anse Etoile recorded the highest number, with a total of 98 cases. The figures were revealed by Daniel Cetoupe, chief risk management officer of the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD), during a media briefing at the DRMD headquarters in Mont Fleuri.

Mr Cetoupe confirmed that excess amounts of rain were recorded at both the Ma Constance and Seychelles International Airport weather stations during the period. He noted that the intensity of the rainfall, combined with the saturation of the ground, contributed to the concentration of incidents in those districts. Several roads were temporarily impassable and a number of households reported water ingress.

The Vice President has been receiving regular updates from the DRMD and other agencies involved in the response. Coordination is also being carried out with the Seychelles Police, the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency, and district administrators to ensure that affected families receive the support they need. The DRMD has reminded residents in low-lying and landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant.

The DRMD is continuing to monitor the situation closely and has urged the public to report any new incidents through the dedicated hotline. Authorities have indicated that a full assessment of the damage will be carried out once weather conditions stabilise. The experience is expected to inform updates to the national disaster preparedness plan, particularly with respect to early warning systems and drainage infrastructure in the most affected districts.