Flooding Displaces Over 140 in Kulhudhuffushi as Heavy Rain Lashes Maldives

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has reported that more than 140 people from 18 homes in Kulhudhuffushi City have been temporarily moved to two schools due to severe flooding caused by ongoing heavy rain. Seven pumps are draining water in the city. In Nolhivaram, 95% of houses are flooded and residents are shifting to other homes with the help of pumps. Nolhivaranfaru has also been affected, with two pumps operating and some residents evacuating on their own. In Naifaru, 16 homes were flooded and two houses were evacuated; the NDMA and the local council are working to provide three days of food and shelter for those affected. Other islands reporting damage include Vaikaradhoo, where farmland was extensively damaged; Nellaidhoo, where about 10 homes had water intrusion but no evacuations; and Kumundhoo, where three homes were flooded but the situation has improved. In H.A. Atoll, floodwater was drained by cutting channels to the sea in Filladhoo, Kela and Maarandhoo. Sandbags were placed as a precaution in Dhiddhoo and Ihavandhoo. The NDMA continues to coordinate relief efforts across the affected islands.