Severe Flooding in Male' Forces Evacuations and Triggers Sewage Leaks, Temporary Shelters Set Up

Due to the heavy rains that continued yesterday, significant flooding occurred in Male’, causing sewage system failures and forcing residents of four households to seek refuge in temporary shelters, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The NDMA reported that they are actively coordinating efforts to support those affected by the severe weather and flooding, both in Male’ and in the atolls.

As a result of sewage backups caused by the flooding, 40 individuals from four households have been relocated to temporary shelters. In addition, the NDMA mentioned that they had received reports of heavy rainfall from areas like K. Himmafushi, Huraa, and Guraidhoo, as well as flooding and sewage issues in Thulusdhoo.

The Maldives Meteorological Office has issued a Yellow Alert for the area stretching from Baa Atoll to Meemu Atoll until 11 a.m. today, and another Yellow Alert for Haa Alif Atoll to Baa Atoll until 1:30 p.m. The MET Office anticipates further heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and additional flooding in these regions.

In the early hours of this morning, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) reported that efforts to pump out water were underway in six locations across Male’ City. As of the latest update, assistance had been provided to 85 households, and 707 sandbags had been distributed across various locations.