The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has announced that its teams will commence visits to properties in Malé to evaluate the damage caused by flooding following continuous rainfall on Thursday and Friday. This announcement coincides with the Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) forecasting severe weather conditions in the northern and central regions of the country over the next 24 hours.
During the severe weather on Thursday and Friday, the heaviest rainfall was recorded in the capital, Malé. The intense precipitation resulted in widespread flooding across large areas of the city, with floodwaters infiltrating residential properties and commercial establishments. Consequently, both residences and businesses, including retail outlets, experienced damage to household items and merchandise. Additionally, the flooding caused significant damage to vehicles on the streets.
The NDMA reported that residents of 36 properties in Malé received assistance following the damage to their properties and household items. Temporary shelter was also provided to the residents of these 36 houses, where they can stay for a two-day period, according to the agency. Teams of NDMA will visit properties where substantial damage was reported to conduct assessments, it added.
The NDMA stated that those who were relocated to temporary shelters are currently working on restoring their properties to normal and livable conditions. Residents have been given two days to report details of the damage sustained by their properties and household items. Following Sunday's assessment, the NDMA will determine the type and level of further assistance required.
According to the NDMA, flooding has rendered some properties unable to cook and prepare meals, while others have reported extensive damage to furniture and household items. These issues will be thoroughly assessed on Sunday, it said.
In the outer islands affected by severe flooding, respective local councils are working to identify the damage sustained by properties and household items. The NDMA also noted that in recent years, property damage due to seasonal rains has been increasing.
According to the Met Office, the severe weather conditions are caused by a circulation formed southeast of Sri Lanka. While the Met Office indicated that the stormy conditions are expected to pass by Monday, it also warned that severe weather conditions are anticipated in the next 24 hours. The intensity of this circulation is gradually decreasing, the Met Office said.
Over the next 24 hours, severe weather conditions are expected to impact the northern and central regions of the country. The Met Office also forecasted heavy showers in these regions, while scattered showers are expected in the southern regions. Winds will gust from the northeast and north between 8-18 miles per hour in the northern and central regions, with gusts up to 35 miles per hour during showers. In the southern regions, winds are expected to gust from the west and northwest. Seas are also expected to be rough, with even rougher conditions during severe weather, the weather centre warned.
The Met Office also observed changes in weather patterns and the level of rainfall received in the Maldives during this onset of the Northeastern Monsoon, including unprecedented levels of heavy flooding.