Foreign ministry working to ensure safety of Maldivians in Thailand

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that one of the areas most severely affected by the powerful earthquakes in Myanmar is an area where a large number of Maldivians reside, and therefore, efforts are being made through the Embassy of Maldives in Thailand to ensure the safety and security of Maldivian citizens residing in Thailand.

The ministry said this in a press release issued in connection with the 7.7 magnitude and 6.4 magnitude earthquakes that struck Myanmar on Friday.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Myanmar was hit by two earthquakes simultaneously. The first was a 7.7 magnitude earthquake, followed by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake recorded in the same area.

These earthquakes occurred at around 11:32am, Maldives time on Friday.

One of the areas that suffered the most significant damage from the earthquakes is a region where a large number of Maldivians have been living.

In a statement issued by the ministry regarding this, it was stated that they are monitoring the situation in Thailand and Myanmar following the powerful earthquakes on Friday. In this regard, the ministry is working through the Maldivian Embassy in Thailand to ensure the safety and security of Maldivian citizens residing there.

The statement went on to reveal that based on the information received so far, Maldivians living in Thailand are reported to be safe. It further stated that efforts are being made through diplomatic channels to determine if any Maldivian citizens are currently in Myanmar.

The statement noted that Thailand and Myanmar have declared a state of emergency in response to the catastrophe. The ministry has urged Maldivian citizens in Thailand and Myanmar to be attentive to and comply with the instructions given by the relevant authorities.

The ministry's statement also appealed to Maldivian citizens in Thailand who need assistance or require further information to contact the hotline number of the Maldivian Embassy in Thailand or the ministry's hotline.

In addition to this, the ministry has urged Maldivian citizens in Myanmar who may need any assistance to contact the following numbers without delay:

• Embassy Hotline Number: +66 611766502
• Ministry Hotline Number: +9607983400

Maldives Meteorological Service has revealed that the earthquake, which occurred 3,121 kilometers away from Maldives congested capital Malé City, is not expected to have any impact on the Maldives.