Ministry of Environment has counselled the president on temporary measures the administration can take to mitigate soil erosion in islands. The ministry said the letter of recommendation was sent to the President's Office yesterday.
The ministry revealed swell wave surges have been reported in over 120 islands since last year, including islands that have been experiencing severe swell surges. Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has been approving councils to take temporary measures due to surges without the requirement of conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Temporary solutions recommended by the Ministry of Environment include filling the area with sand, placing sandbags and geobags or adding construction waste to the eroding area.
Islands in the north are experiencing erosion at a very fast rate, including islands such as Kudarikilu and Maalhos in Baa Atoll. Residents and councils have been working together to place sandbags to prevent land erosion.
The parliament has also passed a motion following recent reports of erosion in islands. The motion titled Climate Emergency calls respective authorities to take swift action to provide solutions.