Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated the government is working with authorities in the Philippines to ensure the welfare and safety of Maldivians following the typhoon that hit the Southeast Asian nation.
The foreign ministry stated efforts are underway to assist Maldivian students in the Philippines, who are in difficult circumstances following the typhoon. The Honorary Consulate of the Maldives in the Philippines is working with the authorities to assist Maldivians in the affected areas, stated foreign ministry. As such, the ministry stated the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is working to supply emergency food and water to those affected. The ministry also assured it is re-establishing lines of communication between the affected individuals and their families.
Over 75 people are reportedly dead after Typhoon Rai hit the Southeastern region of the Philippines. The typhoon is the strongest to hit the Philippines this year, and has disabled communications and left millions of people without electricity in the affected areas.
Following the disaster, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid said he was deeply saddened by the loss of life and the devastation caused by the typhoon. He also conveyed condolences to the families who lost loved ones and prayed for the success of the rescue and recovery efforts.