The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) will remain on 24-hour alert to assist the public as adverse weather conditions are expected, the Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy has announced.
The Chief of Defence Force made the statement while speaking at a press conference held by the special task force established by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to mitigate the potential damages caused by severe weather conditions.
During the press conference, the Chief of Defence Force detailed the proactive measures taken by MNDF and other agencies to mitigate damages. While a Joint Operation Centre has been activated, precautionary measures have been implemented across the country including in the Male’ area, central area, southern area, and northern area.
To minimise flood-related damages, MNDF’s Fire and Rescue Service is installing pumps in key locations and removing water gathering in wells. Additionally, the Male’ Area Command is prepared to respond swiftly to any requests for assistance from islands in the area.
“MNDF area commands are on alert. Pump installation and sandbagging efforts are already in progress. Under the President’s direction, MNDF and relevant agencies are prepared. The MNDF is at the service of the public 24 hours a day,” the Chief of Defence Force said.
In Male’, the Male’ Area Command is also prepared to assist in sandbagging homes and businesses to prevent flood damage. Vehicles with sandbags have been stationed at three key locations: near the King Salman Mosque with 260 sandbags, near Kudakudhinge Bageecha with 200 sandbags, and near the Social Centre with 200 sandbags. While sandbags are being distributed to the public from these stations, two mobile teams are also active to deliver sandbags to those in need. The number of mobile teams will be increased depending on the severity of the situation.
In addition to Male’, the MNDF Central, Northern, and Southern Area Command are also coordinating closely with island councils in preparation for the unfavorable weather conditions. In this regard, the command is closely monitoring the situations in the islands and identifying islands that may need MNDF assistance the most. Resources and relief efforts will be deployed as required.
While MNDF’s operation is through the Joint Operation Centre, the centre’s assistance can be sought by contacting the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)’s hotline at 115. Area commands will coordinate with island councils to provide relief assistance in the atolls.