Relentless rainfall in the central region has resulted in extensive flooding across several islands, with Malé, the capital city, bearing the brunt of the damage. Damage was reported to 144 households in Malé due to flooding caused by Friday’s downpour, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
In addition to Malé, the incessant rains also inundated four other islands, including Guraidhoo and Dhiyamigili islands in Thaa Atoll, Maamendhoo in Laamu Atoll, and Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll.
Assistance was provided to 132 of the 144 households in Malé as of 7:30 p.m. on Friday, according to the NDMA. The agency distributed sandbags to 91 households, while 57 residents from eight homes received food and shelter.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) managed to control the flooding by pumping out the inundated streets in the most severely affected areas of Malé. Approximately 9,306 metric tonnes of water were pumped from Malé as of 6 p.m. on Friday, MNDF reported. Other damages reported in Malé included a tree that fell due to strong winds on Rehendhi Hingun, damaging a parked vehicle. Floodwaters also entered homes, causing damage to household items.
The persistent downpour and strong winds also disrupted air travel at the main Velana International Airport (VIA). Severe weather conditions had caused flight delays, with many flights unable to land due to high winds, Shamman Shakir, the Corporate Communications Manager at Maldives Airports Company Ltd. (MACL), confirmed to local media.
MACL reported that approximately 17 incoming flights were delayed, while another 11 departures were also delayed. Flight delays had continued for over five hours since 10:30 a.m. on Friday.
On Wednesday, a seaplane operated by Manta Air was damaged due to high winds and rough seas. A video circulating on social media showed the seaplane run aground on a beach with severe damage to its nose and wing. The seaplane had since been sent for repair at Manta Air’s facility in Dhaalu Atoll, Mubeen Jaleel, the Marketing and Communications Manager at Manta Air, confirmed to local media. No injuries were reported in the incident.
The Maldives Meteorological Service reported that severe weather conditions would persist across some parts of the Maldives on Saturday, with severe weather expected until 6 p.m. The agency warned seafarers to be cautious of rough seas and strong winds.
Inclement weather will be experienced in the central and southern regions until 6 p.m. on Saturday, with heavy rains expected in the southern atolls and showers in the central region. Winds are expected to gust between 8 and 18 miles per hour in the southern atolls, while winds are expected to be between 5 and 15 miles per hour in the central regions and may gust to 35 miles per hour during storms, the Met Office reported.
