The Seychelles Meteorological Authority has maintained an Orange alert across the island nation owing to persistent bad weather, with heavy rainfall and strong winds lashing the archipelago since Friday. Chief Executive Officer Vincent Amelie stated that while the volume of rainfall is normal for the rainy season, the alert was deemed necessary due to the continuous nature of the precipitation over three consecutive days. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant as the weather system shows no immediate signs of abating.
The Orange alert, the second-highest in Seychelles’ three-tier weather warning system, signals the potential for significant disruption to daily life, including localised flooding, landslides, and hazardous road conditions. The Seychelles Meteorological Authority has been issuing regular updates as the system tracks across the region, with particular concern for low-lying areas and communities near riverbanks. Disaster risk management teams have been placed on standby to respond to any emergency situations that may arise.
Heavy rainfall has been recorded across Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue, with the highest accumulations reported on the eastern slopes of Mahe where the topography amplifies precipitation. The Orange alert has prompted the closure of some roads and the suspension of certain outdoor activities, particularly in areas prone to rockfalls and flooding. Schools have remained open, with authorities advising parents to exercise caution during drop-off and pick-up times.
The Seychelles Meteorological Authority has warned that the combination of saturated ground and continued rainfall increases the risk of landslides in vulnerable areas. Residents in hillside communities have been advised to monitor slopes for signs of movement and to report any concerns to the relevant authorities. The persistent nature of the weather event has raised particular concern because the ground has had no opportunity to dry between successive rain bands.
Vincent Amelie explained that the Orange alert for Seychelles was not triggered by an abnormal volume of rain but by the duration of the event, which has tested drainage systems and infrastructure across the islands. He urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel during the heaviest downpours and to stay tuned to official updates. The meteorological authority has deployed additional monitoring equipment to track the evolving situation in real time.
Businesses and households have been affected by the weather, with some commercial areas experiencing water ingress and power disruptions caused by wind damage to overhead lines. Emergency response teams have been working around the clock to clear blocked drains and fallen debris from roadways. The Seychelles Meteorological Authority has emphasised that the Orange alert will remain in force until there is a clear and sustained improvement in conditions.
Forecast models suggest that the weather system may begin to weaken by midweek, though pockets of instability could persist. The Orange alert serves as a reminder of the need for robust disaster preparedness in a tropical island nation vulnerable to extreme weather events. The Seychelles Meteorological Authority continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as conditions evolve. Residents are urged to follow safety guidelines and to report any weather-related emergencies to the relevant authorities without delay.
📷 Image source: Office of the President — statehouse.gov.sc
