Prioritising National-Level Disaster Preparedness Vital to Cut Climate Disaster Risks: NDMA

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has said that, with the dangers and devastation caused by various weather-related disasters increasing for the Maldives, it is essential to be prepared at the national level and to prioritise resilience in order to overcome such fragile situations. In a statement issued today to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, the NDMA noted that, as a developing small island nation, the Maldives is inherently vulnerable due to its geography, its low elevation above sea level, and the risks posed by climate change, flooding and various disasters caused by severe weather. "As a developing small island nation, the Maldives is inherently vulnerable due to the fragile way in which it has been formed by nature, its low-lying land, the dangers arising from climate change, flooding, and the devastation caused by various disasters resulting from severe weather," the NDMA statement said. Therefore, the authority said it is important to follow sustainable plans that can withstand disasters and to increase investment in land use and the establishment of infrastructure at various stages of development. In line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's long-term vision, important work is being carried out with relevant government institutions and councils to strengthen the system for managing disaster risk. Accordingly, instead of responding only when a disaster strikes, work is under way to compile a 'National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy' and a 'National Disaster Management Plan' that include safety and preparedness. In addition, drawing on the lessons learned from disasters such as Covid-19, a 'National Emergency Operations Plan' (NEOP) has also been compiled. The statement noted that one important step taken in disaster management was the compilation of the National Risk Register and Assessment 2026, described as the first complete study of its kind conducted at the national level in the Maldives. It said the study will make it possible to identify the risks and fragile situations the Maldives may face, to formulate national policies, and to determine the areas to be prioritised in the use of resources. As part of strengthening the early warning system in an island nation such as the Maldives, the 'National Early Warning Roadmap and Action Plan' under the 'Early Warning for All' project is also being implemented in the Maldives. The NDMA noted that the main objective of these efforts is to increase awareness at the national and island levels and to protect the lives and property of citizens from possible disasters.