A total of 140 houses in the capital Malé City have been damaged in the wake of floods caused by continuous rain showers across the country due to adverse monsoon activities.

Chief Executive at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Hisaan Hassan revealed that damages have been incurred to 140 homes due to flooding in the capital city, following continuous rain showers since early Sunday.

Damages were caused by water entering homes, water rising from the ground and water leakage.

A total of 54 residents of 11 residences have been moved to temporary shelters so far and efforts are underway to relocate others affected by the damage.

Coordination efforts were carried out jointly by officials of NDMA, Maldives Red Crescent, Maldives Police Service (MPS), Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the city council.

Hisaan revealed that the efforts were supported by some companies as well, adding that efforts were made to assess the condition of the damaged residences until sundown on Sunday and 63 individuals had to be moved to safety from 12 houses.

However, the rapid assessment of 140 houses had confirmed the number of people who needed to be moved, which sat at 54, from 11 houses.

Stressing that heavy rain showers have been predicted over the next six days, Hisaan highlighted that the government would visit places and assess damage incurred to property and structures, as soon as the weather clears.

Hisaan further revealed that equipment and materials used for daily activities including cooking, were left damaged in the wake of floods.

Hisaan added that it was difficult to acquire information of those affected, given logistical constraints, noting that they were overcoming it with the assistance of responding agencies.

Further, Hisaan noted that those shifted to temporary shelters have been provided with food and other arrangements for essential sustenance.

Efforts have been made to ensure food parcels have been delivered to those in need on time, and those in need of psychosocial support and doctor consultations, have been assisted as well.