Heavy rainfall on January 4, 2025 has caused significant flooding across the Maldives, resulting in widespread damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles.

The Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF), along with the police and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), is actively engaged in relief and recovery efforts as the nation battles the aftermath of the deluge.

Damage to homes and residents' safety

The rainfall severely impacted residential areas, particularly in the capital, Malé, where floodwaters entered homes and disrupted daily life. NDMA reported receiving 774 requests for assistance, including 554 appeals to stack sandbags at entryways. Rapid assessments identified 53 residences as heavily affected, with 36 deemed temporarily uninhabitable. Consequently, 226 individuals from these homes have been relocated to temporary shelters and provided with food and water.

Flooding reached alarming levels in Faafu atoll Nilandhoo, where 80% of the island was submerged, and Kaafu atoll Himmafushi, where 60% of the island faced similar conditions. In Himmafushi, floodwaters caused sewage leaks and electricity outages. Council Member Wafiyya Ibrahim suffered an electric shock while safeguarding council property and was hospitalised.

Impact on businesses and public infrastructure

Businesses in Malé faced substantial setbacks as shops and restaurants struggled with flood damage. Many were forced to close, while some restaurants ceased delivery services entirely. Elevators in several residential and commercial buildings were reported damaged. Streets like Majeedhee Magu and Ameenee Magu, already prone to flooding, became impassable, causing further disruption to local trade and transportation.

Vehicles damaged and mobility hampered

Floodwaters inundated major streets in Malé, submerging vehicles and creating challenges for motorists and pedestrians. Key roads such as Kan'ba Aisa Rani Hin’gun and Izzuddeen Magu saw water levels rising to over two feet in some areas, leaving vehicles stranded. Emergency crews worked tirelessly to clear the roads and assist those affected.

Island damage beyond Malé

Outside Malé, several islands bore the brunt of the extreme weather. NDMA reported significant flooding in islands like R. Inguraidhoo and Sh. Narudhoo, which were hit by swell waves. Heavy rains caused damage in F. Nilandhoo, F. Magoodhoo, and ADh. Maamigili, among others.

In Nilandhoo, floodwaters from eight hours of continuous rain reached a height of two feet in certain areas, affecting roads and homes. Maamigili reported four homes impacted, two of which suffered severe damage. In Dh. Meedhoo, ten homes were damaged, and one family in F. Feeali was forced to relocate.

Forecast and official warnings

The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) has downgraded its weather alert from orange to yellow, and now to white.The current white alert highlights adverse weather caused by a persistent low-pressure system, particularly affecting central atolls.

From Shaviyani Atoll to Kaafu Atoll, winds of 19–24 mph, rough seas, and swell surges are expected between 01:00 and 07:00 on January 4. Similarly, heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusts up to 40 mph are forecast for Lhaviyani Atoll to Laamu Atoll from 04:00 to 10:00. Southern atolls are seeing clearer skies with occasional squalls.

Weather is expected to improve from January 5. Authorities, including NDMA and MNDF, have urged residents to use sandbags and move valuables to higher ground. A 911 hotline is active for flood assistance, with police aiding in relief efforts.

Relief and response efforts

MNDF reported pumping out 30,569 tonnes of water from Malé streets during a 21-hour operation that utilised 16 pumps stationed across six locations. Streets like Rasfannu saw waterlogged pavements excavated to facilitate drainage.

NDMA confirmed significant losses to public and private property, including damage to homes, shops, and vehicles. They are coordinating with local councils under the guidance of President Dr Mohammed Muizzu to assess and address the damage. Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef stated that relief operations are ongoing, with priority given to the safety and well-being of affected citizens.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this extreme weather, authorities remain on high alert to prevent further damage and provide aid to those in need.

This recent flooding in the Maldives serves as a stark reminder of the warnings the nation has been raising at forums such as COP29 about the existential threat climate change poses to low-lying island nations. This incident lays bare the country’s acute vulnerability to rising sea levels and extreme weather events—issues it has long championed on the global stage. As global leaders discuss climate action, the Maldives’ predicament serves as a sobering call for urgent, unified efforts to address the worsening impacts of climate change.