The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has stated that southernmost Addu City and Fuvahmulah City suffered the largest damages in the current bad weather being experienced across Maldives.
Speaking to AVAS, NDMA's Deputy Chief Executive Umar Fikree said the largest damages due to the current weather conditions are to Addu and Fuvahmulah city. Heavy flooding has affected 176 households in Addu city and 270 households in Fuvahmulah City, said Fikree.
Damages of different extent have been reported from 35 different islands, said NDMA. While many islands are experiencing flooding, tidal surges are also affecting several islands. Most damage due to tidal swelling were caused to islands in atolls between Ha. atoll to Lh. atoll. Fikree said NDMA has requested all island and city councils to assess the damages and send details to NDMA at the earliest. The government will provide assistance to affected households based on the assessments, he added.
From among the northern atolls, Ha. Haarafushi, Ha. Dhidhdhoo, HDh. Kulhudhuffushi and Lh. Naifaru are among the islands to which the most damages were caused due to heavy rainfall. Hoarafushi Airport suffered extensive damages due to tidal swelling, and the airport's operations have been temporarily ceased.
Maldives Meteorological Service have said that the intense weather being experienced in the Maldives is due to the deep depression over the Arabian Sea intensifying into a cyclone. However, the Maldives is not in direct danger of the cyclone, although flooding, tidal surges and high winds are expected across Maldives.
