On 7 December 2023, authorities declared a state of emergency in response to an industrial explosion at an explosives depot on the island of Mahé in the Providence Industrial area. The explosion – which occurred at a depot owned by the private Civil Construction Company — damaged the surrounding areas of Pointe Brilliant, Le Rocher and Petit Paris. Authorities evacuated the affected areas and issued a shelter-in-place order for residents located near where the event occurred. At least three people died in the blast and 66 others were injured. Seychelles International Airport (FSIA/SEZ), which is located on Mahé, sustained light damage but remained operational.