Heavy rainfall overnight led to severe flooding in parts of the Maldivian capital, prompting immediate action from the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF). Soldiers worked tirelessly through the night to manage the situation, deploying pumps and sandbags to mitigate damage to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
The downpour, part of the ongoing monsoon season, began in the early evening and intensified by midnight, inundating several areas of the city. In response, the MNDF’s Fire and Rescue Service launched water drainage operations in three key locations. According to MNDF officials, five pumps were deployed in the West Park area, two in the vicinity of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), and one in the Boduvalhu area. Soldiers also placed sandbags to prevent floodwaters from entering vulnerable buildings.
އަދާހަމަ# އެމްއެންޑީއެފް ފަޔަރ އެންޑް ރެސްކިޔު ސަރވިސްއިން ފެންހިންދުމަށް, މިހާރު މާލޭގެ 9 ސަރަހައްދެއްގައި ޕަންޕު ބަހައްޓައިގެން ދަނީ މަސައްކަތްކުރަމުން. pic.twitter.com/BEbu9Et2ad
— Maldives National Defence Force (@MNDF_Official) January 11, 2025
“Operations are progressing across affected areas to ensure minimal disruption to daily life,” an MNDF spokesperson stated.
The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) had previously warned of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, issuing an orange alert for regions spanning Kaafu Atoll to Vaavu Atoll. A subsequent yellow alert for heavy rain and thunder was issued early this morning, with forecasts predicting continued downpours between 4:45 AM and 8:45 AM. Officials expect the current monsoon system to affect much of the nation in the coming days.
Residents in affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and take precautions as the MNDF continues its flood mitigation efforts. Meanwhile, authorities are closely monitoring weather developments to ensure swift responses to potential emergencies.
The monsoon season, a yearly phenomenon in the Maldives, often brings challenges such as flooding. However, the MNDF’s proactive measures aim to minimize its impact and protect the livelihoods of Malé’s residents.
