Flooding affects 90% of homes in Fiyoaree after overnight rainfall

Continuous rainfall since early Wednesday morning has caused flooding across GDh. Fiyoaree, affecting approximately 90% of households and causing damage to property.

The island is among the areas most affected by the ongoing spell of heavy rain across the Maldives, with adverse weather conditions particularly affecting Huvadhu Atoll.

Fiyoaree Council Information Officer Aathif Saeed said floodwaters had accumulated across almost the entire island.

"Almost the entire island is under water," Aathif said.

"There is no part of the island that has not been flooded."

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Wednesday that approximately 90% of homes in Fiyoaree had been affected by flooding. However, the authority said no major damage to houses had been reported so far.

Aathif, who was involved in efforts to drain floodwaters while rain continued, said furniture in at least four houses had sustained water damage.

Residents have joined efforts to prevent further flooding of homes by digging drainage channels at different locations across the island to allow accumulated rainwater to flow into the sea.

The island's two available water pumps are also being used to remove floodwaters from the most affected streets.

Aathif said drainage difficulties had been worsened by ongoing construction work in the island's harbour area.

"Normally, rainwater from the island drains out through the area where the jetty is currently being developed. However, water cannot be discharged through that area at present, causing it to accumulate within the island," he said.

According to Aathif, the harbour development includes drainage junctions intended to facilitate the discharge of rainwater. However, the construction work has not yet been completed, preventing the system from being used.

With rainfall continuing and assessments of damage to homes still under way, local authorities said it was too early to determine the total extent of the losses caused by the flooding.

The Maldives is currently experiencing heavy rainfall associated with the southwest monsoon, which brings periods of rain and unsettled weather.

Although weather conditions occasionally improve between spells of rainfall, Huvadhu Atoll has experienced particularly severe conditions during the current period.

A yellow weather alert has been issued for Huvadhu Atoll.

The Maldives Meteorological Service has indicated that the current spell of heavy rainfall could continue for another two to three days.