The Male City Council has temporarily suspended burials at the Hulhumale cemetery because graves are filling with water amid ongoing heavy rainfall.
Council officials said water levels of eight to nine inches were observed when graves were dug. As a result, all funerals have been redirected to the Male Aasahara cemetery for the time being.
The suspension follows several days of heavy rain across the Maldives that has caused flooding in low-lying areas of Hulhumale and Male. Hulhumale cemetery has faced similar issues during previous monsoon periods when groundwater rises.
The National Disaster Management Authority has been monitoring the weather and coordinating assistance for affected islands. Residents in the Greater Male region have reported flooded streets and properties.
Council staff are monitoring water levels and will resume burials at Hulhumale once conditions improve. Families arranging funerals have been advised to contact the council for updated arrangements.