Heavy rain floods homes across northern Maldives, damages property

Heavy rainfall has caused flooding and property damage across several islands in northern Maldives, with water entering hundreds of homes, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

In an update issued on Friday, the NDMA said flooding and damage had been reported in Kulhudhuffushi, Nolhivaranfaru and Nolhivaram in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, as well as Naifaru in Lhaviyani Atoll.

Kulhudhuffushi was among the worst-affected areas, with more than 190 households reporting flooding following heavy rainfall.

The Kulhudhuffushi City Council is assessing the condition of affected properties, while efforts to drain floodwater are being carried out jointly by the council, Maldives Police Service, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue Service and the Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC).

In Nolhivaranfaru, more than 60 households reported water entering their homes after heavy rain flooded parts of the island.

The NDMA said water was also rising through the floors of several houses, causing damage to household belongings.

However, the situation had not reached a point where residents needed to be evacuated.

Police and residents are working together to place sandbags in affected areas to prevent further flooding.

Nolhivaram has also experienced flooding following heavy rainfall that began overnight.

According to the NDMA, drainage channels have been dug in five areas of the island, with pumps being used to remove floodwater.

However, the Nolhivaram Council reported that water levels had not yet subsided.

The council said approximately 95 per cent of homes on the island had been flooded, resulting in damage to household belongings.

The council has requested assistance from the MNDF to manage the situation.

Meanwhile, two households in Naifaru have reported flooding following heavy rainfall.

The NDMA said no residents had required evacuation, while efforts were under way to place sandbags around affected houses and pump out floodwater.

The authority said it was monitoring conditions across the affected islands and coordinating with local councils to identify residents requiring humanitarian assistance.

It added that arrangements were being made to provide assistance to those affected by the flooding.

According to rainfall statistics released by the Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office), Kulhudhuffushi recorded the highest rainfall in the country over the past 24 hours, with 188 millimetres.

The Met Office has issued a white alert for the area from Haa Alifu Atoll to Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, forecasting heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusts of up to 40 miles per hour.

Authorities continue to monitor conditions as rainfall affects several islands in the northern and central atolls.