The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has launched a new digital platform aimed at improving the way disaster-related damage and losses are reported, assessed and managed across the Maldives.

The Damage Assessment and Loss Analysis (DALA) platform was officially launched at a ceremony held at Hotel Jen, with Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan presiding over the event. Senior Government officials and development partners were also in attendance.

According to NDMA, the platform replaces the existing manual disaster damage assessment process with an integrated digital system, allowing disaster information to be reported online and processed more efficiently. The authority said the system is expected to improve the accuracy and speed of damage assessments and support more timely decision-making during disaster response and recovery.

NDMA stated that the portal enables individuals affected by disasters to submit applications for assistance digitally and track the progress of their requests. The system is also designed to facilitate information sharing with relevant authorities and improve communication with affected communities.

The platform has been developed with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funding provided through UNDP, with contributions from Denmark, Luxembourg and the Republic of Korea. NDMA said the system allows disaster data to be categorised by disaster type, affected sector, location and population group, providing a clearer picture of impacts and supporting more targeted recovery efforts.

Speaking at the launch, NDMA Chief Executive Hisan Hassan said the introduction of the platform represents a step towards strengthening institutional capacity and improving transparency in disaster management. He noted that the availability of structured, long-term data would also support planning and governance beyond immediate response efforts.

UNDP Resident Representative said the initiative supports stronger national systems and institutional leadership, adding that digital tools such as DALA can play a critical role in protecting communities and enabling faster recovery following disasters.

NDMA stated that the launch of the DALA platform aligns with its Strategic Action Plan, the Government’s Digital Maldives 2.0 agenda, and international frameworks including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Early Warnings for All initiative.