The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) announced today that recent flooding in the capital city of Male’ has caused damages exceeding two million rufiyaa. This follows heavy rainfall last Friday, which led to severe flooding in multiple areas, affecting homes, shops, and workplaces.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) deployed 17 pumps across six locations to manage the floodwaters, with assistance from private organizations and local residents. The Maldives Meteorological Service reported that 162 millimeters of rain fell in Male’ by Friday night. The MNDF began drainage operations at 11:37 AM on Friday, successfully restoring normal road conditions by 8:30 AM Saturday after removing 30,569 tons of water.
In response to the flooding, various agencies including the Male’ City Council, Police, MNDF, Ministry of Local Government, and Maldives Scouts have been actively placing sandbags. The NDMA reported that there were 774 requests for assistance, with 554 specifically for sandbags.
Emergency assessments were quickly conducted on 53 homes experiencing disruptions to essential services. As a result, temporary shelter and food were provided to 226 individuals from 36 severely impacted households.
So far, damage assessments have been completed for 112 out of the 141 houses requiring evaluation. Additionally, 13 households have opted out of the assessment process.
NDMA Chief Executive Hisaan Hassan informed “Dhen” that the ongoing assessment efforts are not yet conclusive but have already revealed significant financial impact. Temporary housing has been offered for two days to those displaced by the floods.
Moreover, the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services and the Maldivian Red Crescent are collaborating with the NDMA in these assessment activities.
