The Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has stated that the ministry is closely monitoring the situation in the atolls due to the adverse weather conditions in the Maldives, and providing assistance as needed.
The Minister noted that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is also closely observing the situation in the islands and instructing the relevant authorities to take the necessary steps to ensure safety.
The Minister assured that the government’s relevant authorities are actively tracking the situation and providing assistance and support. A system has been established to streamline the collection of information on the situation in islands, identify the assistance needed, and the immediate steps that can be taken.
While Narudhoo, Vaavu Atoll, and several islands in Alifu Alifu and Alifu Dhaalu Atolls reported being impacted by sea swells, the Minister said Nilandhoo of Faafu Atoll and Guraidhoo of Kaafu Atoll have also been significantly affected by heavy rain, with junctions overflowing in both islands due to flooding. The issue has been reported and is being addressed, he assured. Meanwhile, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has installed pumps to recede flood waters in some islands, and other agencies are also on alert to provide further assistance.
The Minister said the primary reason for flooding in most islands was the water accumulation in empty pockets of land due to dredging and land reclamation flowing into mainland. Therefore, in future, the government will consider this technical factor in planning projects, he assured.