The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has provided water drainage pumps to 72 islands at higher risk of flooding, with heavy rainfall expected to impact the country over the next five days.

According to the Maldives Meteorological Services, a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a western disturbance, expected to affect the Eastern, Western, and Southern parts of the country from today until Saturday. In response, the NDMA, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), and Police Service have launched a joint operation to minimise potential damage.

At a press briefing in Iskandar Koshi, NDMA Chief Executive Officer Hisan Hassan stated that measures to mitigate flooding have begun. He reported that water drainage pumps and related facilities had been provided to 72 flood-prone islands, and fixed-base water supply systems were being established in rural areas to enhance preparedness.

Efforts in the Male’ area include installing sandbags in vulnerable locations, with 57 sites secured since last night. Hisan urged individuals and local councils to take further steps to minimise the impact of the rains.