HDh, HA Atolls record huge damage in heavy rain; 140 in schools in Kulhudhuffushi

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) announced on Friday that continued heavy rainfall across the Maldives has caused considerable damage to several islands in Haa Alifu and Haa Dhaalu Atolls, with more than 140 people being relocated to temporary shelters in Kulhudhuffushi City alone.

Weather conditions have worsened across the country over the past week, with torrential rainfall affecting several islands.

In a post on X detailing the weather-related damage, the NDMA stated that seven pumps are being used to remove floodwaters in Kulhudhuffushi City. The authority also revealed that arrangements are underway to temporarily relocate more than 140 people from 18 households to two schools due to severe flooding in the city.

In other parts of Haa Dhaalu Atoll, the NDMA reported that 95 percent of houses in Nolhivaram have been affected by flooding, forcing residents to seek alternative accommodation. Drainage operations are ongoing on the island with the assistance of one pump.

The NDMA highlighted the significant assistance provided by the police and stated that residents of Nolhivaranfaru whose homes were severely affected are moving to other houses independently. Two pumps are also being used to drain floodwaters on the island.

The authority further reported that floodwaters entered around 10 houses in Haa Dhaalu Nellaidhoo, although no relocations were required. In Kumundhoo, water entered three houses and damaged food supplies, but the situation improved after the weather cleared later in the day.

According to the NDMA, no residential properties were damaged in Vaikaradhoo, although flooding caused extensive damage to agricultural fields. Conditions in Hanimaadhoo and Makunudhoo remain generally stable.

In Haa Alifu Atoll, floodwaters in Filladhoo, Kelaa and Marandhoo were drained by digging trenches leading to the sea. Water entered one house each in Kelaa and Marandhoo, but no major damage was reported.

The authority added that sandbags have been placed as a precaution around flood-prone houses in Dhidhdhoo and Ihavandhoo. One case of water entering a house was reported in Dhidhdhoo. In Thakandhoo, drainage channels are being excavated, while assessments are underway to determine the damage to houses affected by last night's flooding.

The NDMA noted that streets in Baarah, Hoarafushi, Molhadhoo, Muraidhoo, Uligam, Utheemu and Vashafaru experienced flooding, although no damage to residential properties was reported.

Outside these two atolls, the NDMA reported that two houses in Lhaviyani Naifaru were flooded, prompting the relocation of their occupants. The authority is coordinating with the local council to arrange three days of food supplies and emergency shelter for those affected.