Heavy rainfall in Malé has caused widespread flooding, forcing several households to evacuate due to waterlogging on roads and water entering homes.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that residents from five houses have been relocated due to the severity of the flooding.
NDMA Chief Executive Hisan Hassan stated that Malé recorded its highest rainfall in the past 24 hours, severely impacting the city’s infrastructure. To address the situation, NDMA has distributed 5,000 sandbags to residents to help prevent further water intrusion. Relief efforts, conducted in partnership with the Maldives Red Crescent, aim to ensure the safe relocation of residents and provide immediate support.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has deployed 16 water pumps across five key locations to drain floodwaters and is laying additional sandbags to control water influx. Desilting operations are also underway to alleviate waterlogging on roads.
While Malé remains the focus, the NDMA, in collaboration with island councils, is conducting rapid assessments to gauge damage in the atolls. So far, no relocation needs have been reported on other islands, but the NDMA is maintaining communication with local councils to offer assistance if required.
The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) attributes the heavy rainfall to two trough systems, one in the Bay of Bengal and another in the southern Maldives. These systems, combined with the transitional phase between the Hulhangu (southwest) and Iruvai (northeast) monsoons, have created conditions conducive to cyclonic activity.
A white alert is in effect for areas between Laamu Atoll and Addu City from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. today. Strong winds of 22–27 mph are expected in southern regions, with 19–24 mph winds in northern and central atolls. Residents are urged to take precautions against strong winds and rough seas.
Light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, is forecast across the country over the next 24 hours. Meteorologist Ahmed Shabin highlighted that central and southern regions will experience strong winds and rough seas, though conditions are expected to improve from Sunday onward.
With the school holidays coinciding with adverse weather, authorities have advised seafarers and travelers to follow safety advisories. The Maldives Meteorological Service warns that maritime conditions remain hazardous due to gusty winds and rough seas.
Efforts to manage the situation are ongoing, with NDMA and the Maldives Red Crescent collaborating to address emergency needs and ensure the safety of affected residents. Authorities continue to monitor the weather closely, urging the public to stay alert and prepared for further developments.
