News

Heavy rain over southern atolls cause flooding and damages

Heavy rain being experienced in the southern atolls have caused damages in some islands.

During a press conference held by the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) on Thursday, Chief Executive Hisaan Hussain said flooding due to rain has caused damages to households in six islands of Laamu atoll. The affected islands are Kunahandhoo, Gan, Fonadhoo, Maamendhoo, Maavah and Hithadhoo island of the atoll.

While 10 households in Kunahandhoo were affected by flooding, five households in Maamendhoo, three in Maavah and two in Fonadhoo were also flooded, causing extensive damages.

Hisaan further said 90% of households in Kunahandhoo were affected by the rain to various degrees, and assured that the center is closely monitoring the situation. Due to the powerhouse in Maamendhoo receiving water damage, the power to the island has been temporarily cut off, said Hisaan.

Ga. Villingili has also been affected by the heavy rain, with Maldives Police Service, jointly with MNDF and Red Crescent working to recede the flood water. Authorities are working to provide water pumps to Dhaandhoo island of the same atoll to clear up the flood water.

Hisaan further informed that due to the lack of availability of a water pump in islands close to Dhaandhoo, a pump provided by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) is being sent to the islands on a Maldivian flight.

Although heavy rain is being experienced in southernmost Addu city, no reports of flooding have been received thus far.