2 January 2005
By Haveeru

MALE, (HNS) -- Maldives death toll from the tsunami disaster had climbed to 80 as of Sunday with 28 confirmed missing.

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on Saturday visited some of the islands that were worst hit by last week’s devastating tsunami.

He visited Kolhufushi island in Meemu atoll, Vilufushi island in Thaa atoll and Gemendhoo island in Dhaalu atoll.

Gayoom expressed his condolences to these island communities, and said that it was a matter of urgent priority to provide shelter to those who had been displaced as a result of the destruction caused by the tsunami.

Lives are devastated by tsunami, Maldives

He praised the help and assistance given voluntarily by several communities in assisting those most severely affected, the President’s Office said in a press release.

State Trading Organization has lowered the prices of diesel by 10 Laari in an effort towards encouraging more fishermen to go out to sea. Most fisher folks are staying at home to help clear up their island communities and to take care of loved ones.

STO said that from Friday, a diesel liter will be sold at Rf5.75. The lowering of the price was made possible because world diesel prices have also gone down, STO said in a statement.

STO raised diesel prices last October. It affected land and maritime transport and also affected prices of fish.

So far, disaster relief funds in Maldives have collected about Rf10 million (about US$778,000).

Canon company’s South Asian office is a most recent donor which contributed 22,000 US dollars or about Rf282,700.