Here are the latest news updates for 16th May
MNDF Cautions Against Sea Travel During Bad Weather
Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has issued a warning against sea travel due to extreme weather conditions in the country.
MNDF said that numerous weather-related emergencies have been reported to the Coast Guard due to the bad weather. MNDF has advised acquiring the latest weather forecasts before traveling and to secure lifejackets and water pumps before starting the journey.
MNDF has also advised all vessels to follow regulations, specifically passenger and cargo limits during this time.
President Extends Closure of all Government Offices until 28th May
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has ordered that all government offices are to remain closed between the 17th and 28th of May.
The closure of government offices has been extended to ensure compliance with the Health Protection Agency’s (HPA’s) orders to extend the full lockdown of the Greater Male’ Region (Male’, Hulhumale’ and Villimale) for an additional 14 days. During this time, general members of the public within the Greater Male’ Region may not leave their homes or drive vehicles. Further, public transport services will remain temporarily halted throughout Male’, Hulhumale’ and Villimale’.
Islamic Ministry Receives More Than MVR 2 Million as Zakat Payment
Islamic Minister Dr. Ahmed Zahir has announced that the ministry has so far received MVR 2,482,000 as Zakat payments.
He also stated that online payments accounted for 53, 597 individuals.
Minister noted that the number of Zakat received is lower than previous years, however, the figure was positive given the current circumstances and economic state of the country.
Due to difficulties in forming a register for the underprivilege this year, hence the ministry will be using the previous year’s underprivilege list to distribute Zakat.
India Naval Ship Repatriates 588 stranded Indians from Maldives.
Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa has departed from Maldives with 588 Indian national stranded in Maldives due to lcokdown.
Under Operation Samudra Setu India has already repatriated 688 Indians from Maldives on 10th May.
Those who have been departed will be subjected to a 14-day quarantine period after they arrive at Kerala.
Maldives has reported more than 1000 cases of COVID-19, out of which 99 individuals are Indian Nationals.
