A state of emergency declared in the Seychelles on Thursday due to heavy rains and an industrial accident has been lifted. 

More than 170 casualties were reported due to the blast at a construction and quarrying company, with the impact felt at the international airport more than two miles away.  

Updating travel advice for the country, the Foreign Office said: “Travel inside the Providence industrial area in Mahe remains prohibited. 

“Travellers are advised to exercise caution on roads due to the effects of heavy rainfall.

“Flights to and from the country continue to operate and visitors arriving or departing are able to travel to and from the airport.

“Swimming in the sea in the north east of the island of Mahe is currently not advised due to an overflow of the sewage system caused by heavy rains. 

“You should follow advice from the local authorities as the situation progresses.”