Synopsis
On March 2, the Maldives faced unprecedented flooding, prompting President Mohamed Muizzu to close government offices. A record 296 mm of rain fell in 24 hours, leading to severe disruptions in Male and surrounding islands. Hospitals suspended outpatient services while emergency measures were activated to combat flooding.Key Takeaways
- President Muizzu ordered government office closures.
- Record rainfall of 296 mm recorded in 24 hours.
- Severe flooding affected Male and nearby islands.
- Four hospitals suspended outpatient services.
- Emergency services remain operational despite flooding.
Male, March 2 (NationPress) The President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, has announced the closure of government offices and institutions on Sunday due to severe flooding triggered by the highest daily rainfall recorded in the nation’s history, as reported by PSM News.
The Maldives Meteorological Service confirmed that a staggering 296 mm of rain fell within a 24-hour period ending at 8 a.m. on Sunday, according to Xinhua news agency.
Extended periods of heavy rain on Saturday resulted in significant flooding across Male and various other islands in central Maldives.
In light of these conditions, President Muizzu has declared Sunday a public holiday, with adverse weather anticipated to continue at least until Monday.
Four hospitals in the Maldivian capital have suspended Outpatient Department (OPD) services on Sunday due to the extensive flooding caused by the recent rains.
The Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) issued a statement indicating that the OPD will remain closed for the day, along with Dharumavantha Hospital, Hulhumale Hospital, and Vilimale Hospital.
IGMH clarified that this decision was made because of the public holiday and the severe flooding in the vicinity of the hospitals, which hampers patient access.
While the OPDs are closed, the Inpatient Department (IPD) and emergency services will continue to operate.
This presidential decision comes in response to ongoing rainfall, which has caused considerable distress among the populace, as noted by PSM News, the official state media.
PSM News reported that the heavy rains on Saturday caused widespread flooding in Male City, affecting areas including Male, Hulhumale, and Hulhule, where Velana International Airport is located, along with several outer islands.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and other agencies have been deployed to alleviate the effects of flooding on homes and properties throughout the capital.
A total of 17 pumps have been strategically placed by the MNDF across six locations to extract floodwater, with approximately 17,000 tonnes already removed, PSM News reported.
Additionally, the MNDF has assisted 131 properties and distributed 976 sandbags to help manage and reduce flooding.
The Maldives Meteorological Service has forecasted further heavy rain and thunderstorms with strong winds to continue on Sunday.
