A tornado that passed over Southernmost Addu City has destroyed several homes in Hithadhoo district, and displaced their residents.

Residents of up to 13 houses were left without shelter after the tornado hit the region and destroyed their homes at around 10:00 pm on Wednesday.

Mayor Abdulla Sodiq told RaajjeMV that these residents have been provided with temporary shelter at houses unaffected by the tornado.

While the military’s rescue forces and the police are active in the area, most of the displaced families are safe - residing with friends and relatives.

The tornado had also affected several office buildings, sweeping away the roofs of Ceylinco Insurance’s outlet in the district and store named Island Bookshop. It had even brought down three large trees in the center of Hithadhoo.  

The spokesperson at the President’s Office had also sent out a tweet conveying President Abdulla Yameen’s sympathies to those that have been affected.

Privately owned RaajjeTelevision has also decided to set up fund raising drive to help the displaced repair their homes.