Rain batters Maldives; property damage from flooding in Male, Hulhule
The National Disaster Management (NDAM) has advised people to be vigilant against floods.
Heavy showers across the Maldives has flooded parts of capital Male and the neighbouring airport island of Hulhumale, with several houses in Male damaged.
The National Disaster Management (NDAM) has advised people to be vigilant against floods.
The National Meteorological Department (MET) has issued a white alert for heavy rains and winds of up to 40 mph across the Maldives. A yellow alert has been issued for the islands in atolls from Noonu to Vaavu with winds up to 45 mph.
There has been a continuous downpour in Male since Saturday morning. The rains have flooded a large area including Male and Hulhule, which is home to the main Velana International Airport (VIA).
NDM Chief Executive Hisan Hassan told Atoll Times on Sunday that four houses in Henveiru ward have been flooded. He said the NDMA is working with the city council to identify the houses that are flooded during the rains.
According to him:
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The MNDF is working to dry up the floods in various parts of the city
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Heavy rains have also caused flooding in various islands; these include Addu, Fuvahmulah and Laamu atoll
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Three houses in L. Funadhoo have been flooded
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20 houses flooded in K. Guraidhoo have been flooded; Three houses had to be evacuated
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There is also a lot of flooding in F. Nilandhoo
According to Hisan, the rains are split between two seasons and there is unusually heavy rains during this period every year. Houses near West Park are also affected by flooding during these days.
"I urge all parties to take precautions to prevent flooding in the area. There is a lot of wind," Hisan said, urging all parties to take precautions if they need any assistance.
The MNDF told Atoll Times that pumps are being installed in six areas of the city to drain flood waters. The places are:
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Two areas near IGMH
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West Park area
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Main Pup Station area
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Near Polytechnic
Hulhule, where the airport is located, has also been flooded due to heavy rains.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Corporate Communications Manager Shamman Shakir told Atoll Times that the airport terminal has not been damaged due to heavy rains.
However, he urged travellers to be cautious as some flights are likely to be delayed due to the rain.
"Flights may be a little delayed. But it is very important to arrive early at the scheduled departure time. It is also important to check the schedules carefully and arrive at the airport," Shamman said.
According to Sunday's flight schedule, four flights have been delayed so far. One flight was cancelled.
