The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday signed agreements with representatives of 10 local councils for the distribution of water pumps procured under the Japan Grant Aid for the Economic and Social Development Programme.

The initiative aims to strengthen flood mitigation efforts and enhance disaster preparedness and emergency response capacities at the community level.

Under the programme, each of the 10 councils will receive two water pumps to support local authorities in responding more effectively to flooding incidents and other emergencies that may arise during periods of severe weather.

Five islands also received the pumps today. The pumps were handed over to the respective island councils during the official ceremony held to sign the agreements.

NDMA stated that the equipment will help improve the readiness of island communities and contribute to building greater resilience against natural disasters.

The authority also expressed its appreciation to the government and people of Japan for their continued support in strengthening disaster risk reduction efforts in the Maldives.

Japan has remained a key development partner of the Maldives, providing assistance across a range of sectors, including disaster management, infrastructure development and capacity building initiatives.