Maduvvari hit by tidal surges

The island of Maduvvari in Meemu atoll is experiencing tidal surges since last night, the island council has said.

Maduvvari Council President Ibrahim Rameez Hassan told Sun Online that the surges began last night at around 1:30 a.m., and the water has reached the main road, Bodu Magu.

It has also left the island people on alert and in a state of distress, Rameez said.

The council has commenced efforts to place sandbags to prevent the water from getting into houses.

Maduvvari Council Vice President Ismail Fazil said that the water has already entered some houses, but not caused any serious damage to any household items.

He urged people to nonetheless take precaution, considering the severity of the surges at the moment.

The council added that Maduvvari experiences tidal surges at this time every year.

Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has said that tidal surges are affecting islands in central Maldives as a result of strong winds, and this is expected to continue until Friday.