Flood-hit Kolamaafushi left with nowhere to accommodate displaced residents

The local council of GA. Kolamaafushi, one of the island’s worst-hit by torrential rain and flooding, reported on Saturday that they have nowhere to move displaced families.

The situation comes as the Southwest Monsoon, locally known as the Hulhangu Monsoon, becomes active over the country, with Maldives Meteorological Service warning of torrential rain and possible flooding across the Maldives through Wednesday.

Torrential rain unleashed extensive flooding in Kolamaafushi on Friday, damaging at least 47 homes, as well as institutions including the health center and school.

Kolamaafushi Council president Musad Saeed told Sun on Saturday morning that the flooding is now under control.

Musad said that the council assisted 47 homes, which had water as high up as between one and two feet.

He said that there’s extensive damage to many of the homes, with mattresses, electronics and household furniture damaged beyond use.

“The homes had water one or one-and-a-half feet high. We dug trenches on the roads to divert the flood water. Even if we were able to drain the water, there are damages. Even the mattresses in many of the homes are ruined,” he said.

Musad said the council was unable to find suitable temporary shelters to move the displaced families, with many of the properties, including the school, damaged beyond use.

“We had only the school hall and classrooms to use for temporary shelter. But the school is also flooded. So, we couldn’t use it. We prioritized digging trenches to divert the flood water than to make the setups there. We were able to dewater the streets,” he said.

Musad said that local authorities and volunteers worked through dawn to dewater the streets.

The council previously said that 85 percent of the homes in the island were affected by flooding.

The Meteorological Service forecasts fairly widespread rain with isolated heavy showers and thunderstorms across the country on Saturday.

The agency also forecasts northeast/easterly winds in northern atolls and southwest/westerly winds elsewhere, at 8-18 miles per hour in the south and 5-15 miles per hour elsewhere.

Winds may gust to 35 miles per hour during showers.

Seas are expected to be moderate becoming rough during showers in the south, and slight becoming moderate during showers elsewhere.

Waves are expected to be between two to five feet in height.

The Meteorological Service issued a statement on Saturday warning of torrential rain and possible flooding across the Maldives through Wednesday, when the country celebrates its Republic Day.

“The Southwest Monsoon has become active over the Maldives. Due to this, widespread rain accompanied by occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected over the country from 7th to 11th November 2026,” said the agency.

The weather agency warned that some islands may experience periods of torrential rain with the possibility of localized flooding during this period.

“Therefore, all are advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions,” said the agency.