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Child drowns in Eydhafushi; condition serious

A child has drowned in Eydhafushi island of Baa atoll.

Police said they received reports that a 12-year old girl had drowned off the western beach area of the island. The child was rescued by an onlooker, said the police, revealing that her condition is serious. Efforts are underway to transport the girl to capital Male' for further treatment.

Speaking to AVAS, Manager of Baa Atoll Hospital Mohamed Rasheed said the child was taken to the hospital after drowning around 1630 hrs on Thursday. He confirmed that the condition of the child remains serious.

Rasheed said two other children drowned with the 12-year old girl. Both children were rescued and were not seriously harmed, but are psychologically affected due to the incident. The hospital is working in liaison with the Gender Ministry to provide counselling services to the children, said Rasheed.