Storm surges impact Narudhoo amid unfinished harbour
Although the military is assisting with draining floodwaters, Narudhoo residents feel that long-term safety measures are still absent.
Sh. Narudhoo has been experiencing direct storm surges for the past three nights, exacerbated by ongoing heavy rains and the incomplete harbour project on the island.
Construction of the Narudhoo harbour began in 2022. However, work on the outer canal and breakwater has yet to commence. This has left the island vulnerable to storm surges, which have caused flooding and damage to infrastructure.
“Narudhoo is already flooded, but without the breakwater, the waves are intensifying the damage,” said Narudhoo Council President Mohamed Mustharshid on Friday. “The old harbour is destroyed, and there is no protection in the new harbour area.”
Videos shared by the council show waves reaching the island unimpeded, flooding roads and affecting daily life. The council has also reported significant damage to agriculture, with saltwater harming trees like bananas, plums, and peppers. Many homes in the village depend on these fruit trees for sustenance and income, making the losses significant.
The council president stated that the issue had been brought to the attention of the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) and government officials. A delegation from the council recently visited Male and met with representatives from the Ministry of Construction and MTCC to highlight the urgent need for completing the breakwater.
The council noted two key risks if the breakwater is not constructed before the ongoing monsoon season concludes:
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Limited access to forested areas due to flooding, posing a risk of food shortages.
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Increased vulnerability to storm damage in future rains.
In preparation, the council worked with local businesses to stock essential goods. However, Mustharshid stated that the council lacks the resources to protect the island from such severe flooding.
“We view the lack of attention to this issue as a serious oversight,” he added.
Twelve houses have already sustained damage, and residents remain concerned about additional flooding as rains continue. Although the military is assisting with draining floodwaters, Narudhoo residents feel that long-term safety measures are still absent.
