Four islands have experienced severe flooding and damages due to heavy rains, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has confirmed. According to the NDMA, Ghoidoo Island in Shaviyani Atoll, Naifaru Island in Lhaviyani Atoll, Feridhoo Island in Alifu Alifu Atoll, and Maalhos Island in Baa Atoll reported incidents of flooding and related damages. The agency has yet to assess the extent of financial losses.
While two houses in Feridhoo had reported excessive flooding, none had to be evacuated, the NDMA said.
The island councils are working alongside the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), which has been provided with over 1,000 sandbags to assist in the efforts to pump out flood water, the disaster relief agency said.
NDMA has sent out water pumps to five islands, with 13 more set to receive pumps next week, the authority, which has been monitoring the current situation around the clock, confirmed.
Precautionary measures have been put in place as rain is expected to continue over the next two days, especially in central and southern parts of the country. Caution is advised while travelling and NDMA has advised for the use of sandbags to prevent water from entering houses.
Four islands had also reported flooding last month, which resulted in damages worth MVR 1.4 million.