Schools closed in Thinadhoo following flooding

Schools have been closed in Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo due to flooding caused by heavy rain.

Vice President of Thinadhoo Council Ibrahim Assad told Sun Online that the island experienced heavy rain since midnight last night, until around 9 a.m. today.

He said that five pre-schools, two primary schools, and two secondary schools have been closed, as it is not possible at the moment to walk on the streets in the island.

Assad said that flooding following heavy rain is a common problem in Thinadhoo, of which the government has been informed repeatedly.

He added that the island suffered serious damage due to flooding as recently as ten days ago.

“Efforts were made by the previous council to solve this problem, and now, we have brought it up time after time as well. We have even informed [the government] through our MP. We keep talking about it, but no solution has been found,” said Assad.

He explained that two years ago, the government made an announcement seeking a party to undertake a project to solve this problem, which was followed by several parties expressing interest – but the efforts stopped there.

Assad said that flooding is worst on the northern side of the island, where the houses suffer serious damage every time. About 70 houses have suffered damage to various extents this time, he said.