The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has successfully cleared 16,911 tons of floodwater from the streets of Malé City following severe flooding caused by relentless rainfall over the weekend. The dewatering efforts, which began on Saturday evening, were temporarily halted after restoring normalcy across the capital.
In a statement posted on social media, the MNDF confirmed that the floodwater had been effectively removed and that conditions in the city had returned to normal as of this morning. The massive dewatering operation, which took place overnight, was crucial in alleviating the flooding that had crippled the city.
The heavy rains, which persisted throughout Saturday, led to significant flooding across Malé, with roads submerged and water pooling in various residential areas. In response to the widespread disruption, MNDF personnel worked tirelessly, not only to clear the streets but also to assist households in flood-prone areas.
As part of the dewatering efforts, MNDF helped 131 households directly affected by the flooding, providing them with much-needed support. Additionally, sandbags were distributed to 976 households in an effort to mitigate further damage. The operation extended to several nearby islands, including K. Hura, K. Guraidhoo, K. Himmafushi, K. Thulusdhoo, K. Maafushi, and ADh. Maamilgi, which also experienced severe flooding due to the continuous rain.
Chief of Defense Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy personally visited several affected areas in Malé to oversee the operation and ensure that resources were being deployed efficiently.
The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) reported that the persistent rains were linked to a circular system that had formed east of the country. This system, which has since moved closer to the southern region of the Maldives, is expected to continue impacting the southern atolls with further rainfall. However, the Met Office has predicted that weather conditions will improve by Tuesday.
With the worst of the flooding now behind them, the MNDF’s successful intervention has brought a sense of relief to Malé’s residents as they return to normal life. However, authorities continue to monitor the situation in other parts of the country as the weather system dissipates.
