President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Vice President Faisal Naseem have on Wednesday assessed the cross-institution operation to ease flooding in capital city Malé.

President Solih had visited the Kalhuthukala Koshi, a military base, in capital city Malé where Chief of Defence, Major General Ahmed Shiyam had briefed him on the operation.

Solih had also visited a temporary relief center established at the local Kalaafaanu School where he met with volunteer workers and officials of institutions and non-profit organizations that had worked to ease the impact of the flooding.

Speaking to the press, Solih said that he had been informed that the flooding was caused due to ‘mechanical pump systems’ in Malé not working.

“The rain we experienced today was a record amount, 149 milliliters, about seven inches of rain. I have been informed that the mechanical pump system in the capital city Malé was not functioning at the time and this had aggravated the situation”, Solih said.

Heavy rain in the capital city on Wednesday had caused severe flooding and damage to property on the roads, houses, and businesses.