Severe storm damage reported across atolls: NDMA assesses situation and coordinates relief efforts

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has stated that it is currently monitoring the situation and providing necessary assistance as several islands across the Maldives suffer significant damage due to the ongoing severe weather conditions.

Providing the latest updates on the situation, NDMA stated that seven pumps are currently being utilized to drain floodwaters in Kulhudhuffushi City. Due to the severity of the flooding, efforts have been made to temporarily relocate over 140 people from 18 households to two local schools.

NDMA further reported that 95 percent of homes in Hdh. Nolhivaram have been affected by flooding, leading residents to seek shelter in alternative locations. Drainage operations are also underway in the island using a single pump with the assistance of the Maldives Police Service.

NDMA has reported that residents in the worst-affected areas of Nolhivaranfaru have proactively relocated to alternative housing, while efforts to drain floodwaters using two pumps are currently underway. Regarding other islands in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, approximately 10 houses in Nellaidhoo experienced flooding, though no evacuations were necessary. In Kumundhoo, three homes sustained water damage, resulting in the loss of food supplies. However, the authority noted that conditions in Kumundhoo have since improved as the rain subsided and the weather cleared.

While flooding in Vaikaradhoo has caused significant damage to agricultural fields, no residential properties have been affected. In Naivaadhoo, efforts to drain floodwaters are currently underway, while in Finey, water levels have been successfully lowered using pumps. Despite flooding in two areas of Kurinbi, no homes in Naivaadhoo, Finey, or Kurinbi have reported any damage. Additionally, NDMA confirmed that the situation in Hanimaadhoo and Makunudhoo remains stable.

Regarding the situation in Haa Alif Atoll, floodwaters in Filladhoo, Kelaa, and Maarandhoo have been drained by digging channels to the sea. While water entered one house each in Kelaa and Maarandhoo, no significant damage was reported. In Dhiddhoo and Ihavandhoo, sandbags have been deployed as a precautionary measure at residences in flood-prone areas, though one household in Dhiddhoo has reported water ingress. NDMA stated that efforts are underway to dig drainage trenches in Thakandhoo, while assessments are being conducted for homes damaged by flooding on Thursday night.

The authority further stated that while flooding was reported on the streets of Baarah, Hoarafushi, Molhadhoo, Muraidhoo, Ihavandhoo, Utheemu, and Vashafaru, the overall situation in these islands remains stable as no residential properties sustained damage. Regarding the situation in Lh. Naifaru, floodwaters entered 16 houses, leading to the evacuation of residents from two of those homes. The authority confirmed that efforts are underway, in coordination with relevant agencies and the local council, to provide three days of food and emergency shelter to those displaced by the severe weather.

The Maldives Police Service has announced that they are working closely with local councils and other state institutions to assist the public and carry out dewatering efforts as heavy rainfall continues across the country. Following reports of severe flooding in streets and residential homes, police confirmed that they are providing continuous assistance in several islands across Haa Dhaalu, Noonu, Baa, and Lhaviyani Atolls.