NDMA Conducts Damage Assessments on 137 Properties in Malé

Teams from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have conducted damage assessments of residential properties affected by severe flooding in the capital city of Malé. The flooding, caused by incessant rains on Thursday and Friday, resulted in widespread devastation across the country.

During the severe weather, Malé experienced the heaviest rainfall, with the Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) recording 142.6 millimetres of rain in Malé, 122.5 millimetres in Hulhumalé, and 144 millimetres in Hulhulé, where Velana International Airport (VIA) is located. The intense precipitation caused floodwaters to infiltrate residential properties and commercial establishments, resulting in significant damage to household items, merchandise, and vehicles on the streets.

The NDMA reported that 137 residential properties in Malé suffered varying levels of damage due to the flooding. Over the past two days, NDMA teams, supported by officials from the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC), have visited these properties to conduct damage assessments, teh agency said. Temporary shelter was provided to residents of 36 houses affected by the flooding, with 226 residents relocated to safer accommodations.

In addition to the damage in Malé, the storm system over the weekend caused severe weather conditions, including heavy rains, strong winds, and rough seas across the country. Damage was reported in six outer islands, and the NDMA is currently assessing the impact on residential properties in these areas. Upon completion of the assessments, the NDMA will identify the necessary assistance for those impacted by the incessant rains and flooding, the agency stated.

The NDMA received requests for assistance from 774 households and businesses in Malé, including support for installing sandbags at the entrances of homes and commercial properties. Of these requests, 554 residences and businesses specifically sought aid for sandbagging.