Disasters in Seychelles

Seychelles uses an all-hazard disaster risk management system under the Disaster Risk Management Act 2014. The Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) coordinates national preparedness and response, while District Authorities, service providers and emergency organisations manage local actions. The National Integrated Emergency Management Plan provides the main framework, supported by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategic Plan 2021–2030 and district and sector contingency plans. Common hazards include intense rainfall and flash flooding, landslides and rockfalls on the mountainous granite islands, coastal flooding, high sea swell, coastal erosion, storm surge, strong winds, tropical storm or cyclone effects and tsunamis. House and bush fires, oil or other hazardous-substance spills, and failures affecting electricity, water, sewage, telecommunications, fuel, transport or waste services can also create cascading emergencies between islands. Coastal roads, ports, the airport, schools, hospitals and businesses are particularly exposed. The Seychelles Meteorological Authority (SMA) issues official weather alerts, forecasts, heavy-rain and strong-wind warnings, cyclone bulletins and tsunami warning bulletins. Information is available through meteo.sc, the Meteo SEZ app, official media, radio and television, and SMS or WhatsApp channels where official guidance provides them. SMA information is published in English, Seychellois Creole and French. Tsunami information may combine international or regional Tsunami Warning Centre inputs with national assessment and public instructions. A tsunami close to the islands may allow only a few minutes of warning, so people who feel a strong or long earthquake or receive an official warning should leave the beach and move to higher ground without waiting to watch the waves. For an immediate emergency, call 999 for police, fire or ambulance services, 151 for an ambulance, or 160 for DRMD multi-hazard assistance. DRMD also lists +248 4389898 as a contact number. The National Emergency Operations Centre, or NEOC, is activated when an event requires national coordination. Depending on the situation, the government works with the Seychelles Police Force, Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency, Seychelles Defence Force, Seychelles Coast Guard, Seychelles Meteorological Authority, health and transport services, the Public Utilities Corporation, local government and the Red Cross Society of Seychelles. Evacuation arrangements are location-specific. DRMD and the relevant District Authority may coordinate building evacuation, movement to a safe place, shelter-in-place or alternative accommodation, with police support. Seychelles does not have a publicly verified nationwide list of standard shelters or central evacuation routes. In a rockfall-affected area such as Beoliere and Port Glaud, authorities may order temporary evacuation, protect homes, consult affected households about livelihoods and adjust the duration after engineering assessment. At sea, follow Coast Guard or other maritime responders; the safest action for a boat depends on its distance from shore and the event. People should follow official warnings, avoid danger areas and avoid unnecessary travel. The Disaster Risk Management Act includes duties for volunteers, employees assisting in emergencies, risk officers and people who must provide information or report damage. Authorised officers may receive access and control powers during a disaster, and the Act contains protection and compensation rules connected with public measures or property control. These rules do not establish a general entitlement to accommodation, cash payments or evacuation transport. Relief and recovery support is assessed according to the event and need. The Red Cross Society of Seychelles supports public authorities with relief, recovery, first aid, community education, volunteers and psychosocial support. Recovery normally starts with damage and loss assessment, followed by priorities for repair, reconstruction and restoration of services. After the 7 December 2023 flood and explosion, the government and the World Bank assessed infrastructure, assets, production, service disruption and social and economic effects. Recovery projects may include stronger drainage, roads, utilities and coastal protection, combining hard structures with softer coastal measures. Funding can come from national, Red Cross or international sources, but availability depends on assessment and there is no general fixed deadline, price or compensation amount.