Heavy rains triggered extensive flooding across Malé, displacing 226 residents from 36 households and causing widespread damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed that the affected residents have been moved to temporary shelters and are receiving food assistance.
The relentless downpour, which began on Friday, inundated large portions of the capital, forcing 774 households and businesses to seek aid. The NDMA received 554 requests for sandbags to fortify entrances against floodwaters. Rapid assessments were conducted at 53 buildings, leading to the evacuation of residents whose homes were severely impacted.
Efforts to control the flooding saw significant coordination among key authorities, including the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), the Maldives Police Service (MPS), Malé City Council, and the Ministry of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works. MNDF personnel, using high-capacity pumps, extracted over 30,569 tonnes of water from the streets of Malé between Friday and Saturday morning.
In addition to Malé, several islands across the Maldives were severely affected by the weather. Swell surges in Inguraidhoo, Raa Atoll, and Maroshi, Shaviyani Atoll, resulted in considerable damage. Nilandhoo in Faafu Atoll reported that 80% of the island was submerged, while Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll saw floodwaters seep into 10 homes. Similar reports of damage came from Meedhoo, Magoodhoo, Maamigili, Guraidhoo, Feeali, Himmafushi, and other islands.
The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) recorded 142.6 millimetres of rain in Malé, marking the highest rainfall in the region on Friday. Hulhumalé and Hulhulé also experienced heavy rainfall, recording 122.5 and 144 millimetres respectively. Maamigili in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll reported the second-highest rainfall with 113 millimetres, while Thoddoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll and Dhiffushi in Kaafu Atoll recorded 78.9 and 65.1 millimetres respectively.
The Met Office attributed the severe weather to a circulation in the Maldives region and has issued warnings of continued turbulent conditions, including strong winds and rough seas. Residents have been urged to take precautionary measures, such as using sandbags and relocating household items to higher ground to mitigate potential flood damage.
The NDMA has reiterated the importance of community preparedness and continues to collaborate with local councils and law enforcement to ensure public safety as the adverse weather conditions persist.
