President sends sympathies to Indonesia following tsunami

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has sent a message of sympathy to the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, following the tsunami that hit Pandeglang, Serang and South Lampung of Indonesia.

In his message, the President said that it was with deep sorrow and dismay that he learned of the devastating tsunami that hit Pandeglang, Serang and South Lampung, resulting in the devastating loss of life, wounding many and causing widespread destruction to homes and infrastructure.

”I would also like to express our wishes for continued acceleration and efficiency of the recovery operations underway.” The President said in his message.

President Solih also conveyed condolences and sympathies to the government and people of Indonesia on behalf of Maldivian people.

More than 700 people were reported injured after the tsunami hit around the Sunda Strait at 9:27 p.m. Saturday, the Disaster Management Agency. At least 30 others were missing, but the toll could continue to rise because some areas had not yet been reached.

Scientists, including those from Indonesia's Meteorology and Geophysics agency, said Sunday that the tsunami could have been caused by undersea landslides or those occurring above sea level on the Anak Krakatau volcano's steep outside slope following the eruption. The volcano's name translates to "Child of Krakatoa," a volcanic island formed over years after one of the largest eruptions in recorded history occurred at the Krakatoa volcano more than a century ago. The scientists also cited tidal waves caused by the full moon.