President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended his deepest condolences to Xi Jinping, President of China, following the devastating gas explosion that occurred at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Shanxi Province.
In an official message, President Muizzu expressed profound sadness over the incident, which has claimed numerous lives and left many others injured.
On behalf of the Government and the people of the Maldives, President Muizzu conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families who have lost loved ones in this tragic event. The message emphasised the Maldives' unwavering support and solidarity with China during this period of profound grief and mourning.
The President further wished strength and resilience to all those affected by the disaster, both the victims and the communities left to mourn their loss. Additionally, President Muizzu expressed hope for the success of ongoing rescue and recovery efforts being carried out by Chinese authorities at the scene of the explosion.
The blast at the Liushenyu shaft in Shanxi province on Friday was the country's worst mining disaster in nearly two decades, with 247 workers underground at the time, authorities said.
So far 82 people have been confirmed dead.