Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid has extended condolences to two counterparts following flash floods and landslides in Timor-Leste and Indonesia.

In separate messages to the Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste, Adaljíza Albertina Xavier Reis Magno and the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi, FM Shahid expressed deep grief in learning about the devastating flash floods and landslides in in East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia and Dili, the capital city of Timor-Leste.

Highlighting that the people and government of Maldives joins him in extending heartfelt sympathies to the people and governments of both countries, FM Shahid stated that the loss of lives and livelihoods, destruction and damage caused by the devastation is saddening.

He extended sympathies to the families of lives lost as well.

He further expressed hope that rescue and recovery operations are continuing smoothly in both countries, going on to praise that persistence of the people of Indonesia and Timor-Leste during such times of crisis.

Widespread floods and landslides sparked by torrential rain showers had misplaced people, destructed hopes and destroyed livelihoods. Authorities have warned that the death tolls could still rise as they search for the dozens that went missing due to the tragedy. Thus far, over 80 deaths have been reported in Indonesia alone and over 20 fatalities in Timor-Leste.