Heavy rain causes flooding in Hinnavaru and Guraidhoo

Continuous rainfall has caused flooding in parts of the central Maldives, with water entering homes in Lhaviyani Atoll Hinnavaru and Kaafu Atoll Guraidhoo, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Several parts of the country have experienced adverse weather conditions over the past two days, with persistent rain affecting islands in the central atolls since Saturday night.

The NDMA said it had received reports of flooding in Hinnavaru and Guraidhoo, where rising water levels have affected residential areas.

In Hinnavaru, sandbags are being placed around affected homes to prevent further water ingress.

The island council is also using a pump to remove accumulated floodwater.

According to the NDMA, the island has requested assistance from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) as additional support is required to drain the flooded areas.

Flooding has also affected Guraidhoo, where heavy rainfall has continued intermittently over the past two days.

The island experienced flooding earlier this week, with water entering several shops.

The NDMA said further heavy rainfall had caused water levels to rise again, resulting in flooding severe enough for water to enter residential properties.

Efforts to remove the floodwater have been hampered by equipment failures, as both pumps belonging to the island council are out of service.

The extent of the damage caused by the flooding has not yet been established.

Attempts to obtain further information from the island councils were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

Weather conditions remain unsettled across the Maldives, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast in several areas.

A yellow weather alert remains in effect for the region extending from Shaviyani Atoll to Alifu Dhaalu Atoll.

The alert was issued in anticipation of heavy rain and thunderstorms as adverse weather continues to affect parts of the country.