The Government of Maldives will donate $50,000 (roughly ₹ 35 lakh) towards flood relief in Kerala, authorities said.
The donation, according to a statement issued by the President’s office late Sunday, is being made as “a token contribution in solidarity with the people of India, for the ongoing rescue and relief operations in the flood-hit state of Kerala.”
“India is our closest neighbour. Any natural disaster or calamity that strikes our neighbour has an emotional impact on Maldives. This donation is a small gesture to a neighbour and friend who has always stood by Maldives in its hours of need,” Ambassador of the Maldives to India Ahmed Mohamed told The Hindu on Monday.
As many as 1,500 Maldivians live in India, including 800 in Kerala, according to officials. Of the 800, most were based in Kochi. Affected families were moved to safe areas with the help of the Maldivian consulate in Kerala.
