Tourists continue to gather in Maldives despite the imposed 30-day state of emergency

Maldives' state of emergency was declared on Wednesday, Nov.4 after an explosive device was found near the President's house. The announcement was made by President Abdulla Yameen, who believes that he was a victim of a failed assassination attempt.

Maldives' state of emergency announcement came two days before a national protest is held by a major opposition to release the jailed opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed. The state of emergency in the well known Indian Ocean tourist destination will last up to 30 days. In the recent weeks, Maldives, a rich archipelago of coral islands is being shaken by political havoc, CNN reports.

"President Yameen has declared (a) state of emergency to ensure the safety and security of every citizen," President Yameen's spokesman, Muaz Ali said.

Prior to Maldives' state of emergency announcement, it is said that a supply of explosives and firearms and a plot were found. Maldives military and police claimed that they dispersed a bomb planted near the Yameen's official residence in Male, BBC reports. It is the latest happening following series of political unrest in the beautiful tropical nation that is known for white beaches, reefs and blue lagoons.

Vice President Ahmed Adeeb was arrested late October after Yemen suspected him of an assassination attempt. Adeeb was charged of treason when the president's boat blew up on their way home from the airport. The vice president vehemently denied the charges pressed against him. FBI has investigated the incident and no bomb threat was found.

Meanwhile, the United States and Britain have expressed their concern about Maldives' state of emergency announcement. They requested the Maldives government to stop "politically motivated prosecutions and detentions, including that of former President Nasheed," Yahoo reports. Britain which is a previous colonial power in the Maldives persuades the government to free all political prisoners including former president Nasheed.

"The United States calls on the government of Maldives to restore immediately full constitutional freedoms to its citizens by terminating the state of emergency," US State Department spokesman John Kerby said.

At the height of Maldives' state of emergency, tourists continue to flock the honeymoon island. Holidaymakers are still advised to take precautionary measures when traveling to Male, the country's capital. Maldives' tourism is still booming with one million visitors coming to the island every year.