Heavy rains have caused severe flooding across Malé City, prompting the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to begin water drainage operations overnight.

The heavy rain, which began late Friday evening, intensified through Saturday morning, leaving parts of the city, including Maafannu, submerged. Floodwaters rose above pavements in some areas, with garbage bags and wooden pallets floating along the roads.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that MNDF, police, and the Malé City Council are collaborating to prevent water from entering houses. MNDF personnel have assisted residents of 58 houses affected by flooding.

To manage the crisis, MNDF has deployed 23 water pumps in eight key locations, including Haveeree Hingun, West Park, the Social Centre, IGMH, Villimalé Ferry Terminal, Salman Mosque area, Bodu Valhu, and Dharubaaruge.

The Maldives Meteorological Service has issued an orange alert from 4:45 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. on January 11, 2024, from Alif Alif to Alif Dhaalu Atoll, warning of torrential rain and thunderstorms. A yellow alert has also been issued from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. for Baa Atoll to Dhaalu Atoll, forecasting heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Photo: Maldives Meteorological Service

This comes just a week after record rainfall on January 3, which saw 161.9 mm of rain recorded in Malé, leading to extensive flooding in the city.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are urging residents to remain vigilant as adverse weather conditions persist.