Maldivian awaiting approval from Nepalese authorities

National airline Maldivian has said that it is awaiting landing approval from Nepalese authorities, to send a flight to evacuate Maldivians affected by the earthquake which Nepal on Saturday.

Head of Administration of Maldivian Ali Nashath told Sun Online that work in this regard was ongoing in cooperation Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He added that the flight was ready to depart, and will do so as soon as the approval is granted.

Out of the Maldivian students in Nepal, 14 have been taken to India. Maldivian Ambassador in India Ahmed Mohamed told Sun Online yesterday that all costs related to their hotel stay, as well as transport to Maldives on Sri Lankan Airlines today, will be covered by the government.

There are about 100 Maldivian students in Nepal, and Foreign Ministry has assured that they are all in good condition.

According to the United Nations, the death toll has risen above 4,000 and 8 million people have been affected by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake which hit Nepal on Saturday.