Aftermath of December 6-7 disasters |15 December 2023

The meeting with the World Bank team

Seychelles to conduct damage and loss assessment with World Bank help

The government of the Seychelles, with support from the World Bank (WB), will conduct a damage and loss assessment following two disasters last week.

A WB team is in the country until December 22 to support the government in conducting a rapid damage and loss assessment in the wake of the massive explosion at Petit Paris, Cascade in the early hours of December 7 which damaged several homes and buildings, and injured many people, as well as heavy flooding and landslides in the northern region of Mahé the night before which caused the death of three persons.

Yesterday afternoon, the World Bank team had a high-level discussion with ministers Naadir Hassan, Billy Rangasamy, Devika Vidot and Rose-Marie Hoareau.

The objective of the assessment is to estimate the costs associated with damage of infrastructure and physical assets, decline in output of productive sectors and disruption of access to goods and services, associated social and economic impact and recovery needs.

It will also provide the strategic underpinnings for immediate- and short-term recovery and reconstruction planning, prioritisation, and programming​.

The team will assess the impacts of both the flooding and the explosion.

Minister Hassan has expressed his appreciation to the World Bank for providing this assistance.

“Our partners are showing their solidarity and providing support and assistance and for that we are grateful. The World Bank as a partner has been swift and prompt to provide its support. On behalf of the government and the people of Seychelles, I thank you,” Minister Hassan said.

Contributed