Seychelles

Five islands in the Indian Ocean – the Union of the Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Zanzibar (Tanzania) – are working to establish and manage disaster loss databases. The losses databases should be able to predict and estimate losses from cyclones, floods and storm surges. The models to be used are the same as those employed in the UN’s 2013 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction.

The Project is supported by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) and the Indian Ocean Commission’s (IOC) ISLANDS Project. The First meeting was held at the IOC’s headquarters in Mauritius. The 2005-15 Hyogo Framework for Action highlights the importance of accounting for past losses that can provide a basis for better risk assessments, more appropriate disaster planning and effective measures to reduce vulnerability and exposure. The 2005-15 Hyogo Framework for Action serves as a plattform for disaster-related information. It should provide the basis for...

The International Charter "Space and Major Disasters" was activated on 01 February because of the impact of the Tropical Cyclone Felleng in the Republic of Seychelles last week. The mechanism was activated by UNITAR/UNOSAT on behalf of UNOCHA.

A state of emergency has been declared in Mahe, the largest island of the Republic of Seychelles, following the passing of Tropical Cyclone Felleng on 28 January. The edges of the storm passed over the main island of Mahe, causing floods and landslides.

No deaths have been reported, but three districts were badly damaged on the island, with over 150 houses evacuated. The Seychelles normally avoid the worst effects of the hurricane season, and President James Michel has called for international help; stating that the country cannot cope with the disaster on its own.