Kolamaafushi reels from flooding as 85% of homes affected

Torrential rainfall has caused severe flooding in GA. Kolamaafushi, resulting in significant damage to homes and public institutions.

Speaking to Sun, Kolamaafushi Council Vice President Shahamath Haneef said continuous rainfall, which began this afternoon, had yet to ease. He reported that approximately 85 percent of homes on the island had been flooded, causing extensive damage to household appliances and electronic equipment.

Haneef further stated that residents whose homes had become unhabitable due to the flooding had been temporarily relocated to relatives’ homes.

"The island is experiencing severe flooding. The rain that started this afternoon shows no sign of stopping. Currently, 58 percent of households have reported water ingress, with substantial damage to furniture and electrical items," Haneef said.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed on Friday night that, in addition to homes and institutions being flooded, the entire island had experienced a power outage, further worsening the situation.

While residents and the island council are working together to drain the floodwaters, the MNDF Southern Area Command has been mobilized to provide emergency assistance.

According to the NDMA, a team of military personnel is currently en route to Kolamaafushi with water pumps and sandbags to prevent further water from entering residential buildings.

The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has forecast continued adverse weather conditions and rainfall across the country over the next five days.