National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has revealed that swell wave surges have damaged over 300 houses.
NDMA stated that 19 islands in seven atolls have been affected by swell waves, which include eight islands in Thaa Atoll, two islands in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, five islands in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, two islands in Addu City, as well as Kurendhoo in Lhaviyani Atoll and Maavah in Laamu Atoll. As such, 133 houses in eight islands in Thaa Atoll were reported to have been damaged by the swell wave surges while Madaveli in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll was the most affected with 98% of the houses being damaged by flooding.
Furthermore, NDMA stated that 50 houses in Maradhoo, Addu City, have been damaged by flooding and that residents of two of the houses were transferred to a shelter as their houses were badly damaged. 30 houses in Maradhoo-Feydhoo have also been damaged.
NDMA stated that the relevant authorities are obtaining the latest information and that the local councils, the Maldives Police Service (MPS), and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) are providing assistance to those affected.
Maldives Meteorological Service has forecasted heavy rain, high winds, and swell waves for the next three days. Therefore, NDMA urged all atoll residents and local councils to take preventive measures to prevent their houses and property from being damaged by flooding. The authority also advised the public to take the necessary safety precautions prior to travel and planning recreational activities at the beach.