Several households in Malé are being evacuated following heavy rainfall that has led to significant waterlogging on roads and water entering homes. 

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed that residents of five houses have been relocated due to severe flooding.

NDMA Chief Executive Hisan Hassan told local medias that the flooding, which resulted in Malé recording its highest rainfall in the past 24 hours, has severely impacted the city’s infrastructure. To mitigate the situation, NDMA has distributed 5,000 sandbags to residents to prevent further water intrusion. Hisan confirmed that relief efforts are being carried out in coordination with the Maldives Red Crescent to relocate residents safely and provide immediate support.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has joined the response, installing 16 water pumps at five key locations to drain flooded areas and laying additional sandbags to curb the influx of water. Desilting operations are also underway to address the waterlogging on city roads.

While the focus has been on Malé, NDMA is conducting a rapid assessment in collaboration with island councils to determine the extent of damage in the atolls. So far, no islands have reported cases requiring relocation, but the NDMA remains in contact with local councils to provide assistance if needed.

The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) attributed the heavy rainfall to the formation of two trough systems, one in the Bay of Bengal and another in the southern region of the country. These systems, combined with the transitional period between the Hulhangu (southwest) and Iruvai (northeast) monsoons, have created conditions conducive to cyclonic disturbances.

A white alert has been issued for areas from Laamu Atoll to Addu City, effective from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m today. Strong winds, reaching speeds of 22 to 27 miles per hour, are expected in the southern regions, while wind speeds of 19 to 24 miles per hour are likely in the northern and central atolls. Residents have been advised to take precautions against strong winds and rough seas.

Light to moderate rainfall is forecast across the country for the next 24 hours, with thunderstorms expected in several areas. Meteorologist Ahmed Shabin noted that while most parts of the country, particularly the central and southern regions, will experience strong winds and rough seas, the weather is expected to improve from Sunday onwards.

The adverse weather has coincided with the school holidays, prompting authorities to urge seafarers and travelers to heed safety advisories. The Maldives Meteorological Service emphasised that current maritime conditions remain hazardous due to gusty winds and rough seas.

Efforts to manage the situation are ongoing, with the NDMA and Maldives Red Crescent working together to address emergency assistance requests and ensure the safety of affected individuals. Authorities continue to monitor weather patterns closely, warning residents to remain vigilant and prepared for further developments.