President Abdulla Yameen has sent a ‘message of sympathy’ to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, over the fire that killed 64 people in Keremovo, Siberia.

“At this time of national grief, the Government and the people of the Maldives join me in conveying our profound sympathies to Your Excellency, the Government and the people of Russia” the message reads.

President Yameen had also expressed ‘sadness’ over the loss of innocent lives, injury and damage to property, conveying condolences to the families of the fire’s victims.

At least 64 people, including nine children, have been confirmed dead in the fire at the Zimnyaya Vishnya (Winter Cherry) shopping centre in Keremovo, with 16 still said to be missing by Monday night.

Al Jazeera published an article on Monday detailing accounts from individuals inside the Zimnyaya Vishnya when the fire broke out.

Their accounts suggest inadequate safety measures and the Russian prosecutor general’s office has ordered all shopping centres to be checked for fire safety.