Minute's silence and flags at half-mast at SEA Games as Singapore mourns earthquake victims

Flags flew at half-mast and the glittering SEA Games paused for a minute of silence today as Singapore mourned the death of eight citizens including six pupils in a Malaysian earthquake.

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Published: 5:41pm, 8 Jun 2015Updated: 7:46pm, 8 Jun 2015

Players and officials observe a minute of silence in respect to the victims of an earthquake which struck Malaysia's Mount Kinabalu at the SEA Games. Photo: AFP

Flags flew at half-mast and the glittering SEA Games paused for a minute of silence today as Singapore mourned the death of eight citizens including six pupils in a Malaysian earthquake.

The “day of national remembrance” declared by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong took place as the remains of the victims were flown by military plane from an airport near Mount Kinabalu to the stunned city-state.

Two other members of their school-organised Singaporean climbing party remain missing on Malaysia’s highest mountain. The official overall death toll stands at 16.

Singapore's national flag is pictured flying at half mast outside the venue for the games in Singapore. Photo: AFP

Sports venues across Singapore went silent for a minute before the start of competition on the third day of the biennial Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, which it is hosting ahead of its 50th anniversary of independence in August.

The Singapore flag was flown at half-mast at all government buildings, muting any celebration over the Games medal tally which put the hosts well ahead of the field with more than 30 golds so far.

The US Embassy also lowered the Stars and Stripes to half-mast in a gesture of solidarity.