Several islands are suffering serious damage due to bad weather: Disaster Management Centre

The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has said that several islands are suffering serious damage due to the current extreme weather being experienced in the Maldives.

Minister of State for Defence Mohamed Ahmed told Sun Online that heavy rain has left Shaviyani Maaungoodhoo completely flooded. He said that 150 houses have suffered damage, including roofs being blown off of some houses and electronics and other household items being damaged beyond use.

“Shaviyahi Maaungoodhoo has suffered serious damage. This includes flooding, roofs being blown off, and 150 houses suffering damage to various extents. Electronics, household items and stored cement bags have been damaged,” Mohamed Ahmed said.

He said that in Baa Thulhaadhoo, a building used for selling fuel is on the verge of collapse due to a crack which has appeared under the building, and some islands are facing shortages of rice, sugar and flour due to transport difficulties as a result of rough seas.

He said that in Alif Alif Thoddoo, an island known for agriculture, over 500 papaya trees have fallen and several farmlands are being seriously damaged.

Mohamed Ahmed said that almost all islands in Vaavu atoll are flooded, causing damage to their farmlands; and Meemu Kolhufushi has almost run out of food supplies due to rough seas.

Also, Meemu Dhiggaru is flooded due to storm surges, and the jetty area in Meemu Raiymandhoo has suffered erosion resulting in difficulties in using the jetty.

He said that Fuvahmulah is also experiencing flooding due to storm surges since yesterday.

The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) has said that bad weather can be expected in all regions in the Maldives over the next 24 hours as well, and southern and central atolls will experience heavy rain. Winds will gust at 40 to 45 miles per hour during storms.

The MET Office also said that seas will be rough all over the Maldives over the next 24 hours, and advised travellers to take necessary measures.

The government has made arrangements to provide funds to take action to address the damage being caused by the extreme weather, and also to send food supplies via the State Trading Organisation (STO), to islands facing shortages.