Heavy monsoon rains have flooded Gaafu Alif Kolamaafushi, affecting an estimated 85 percent of homes on the island and displacing 25 families.
Local authorities reported water levels reaching up to two feet in some areas, causing structural damage, power outages, and disruptions to the island’s health centre. Police officers were deployed to assist residents, particularly elderly individuals living alone, and to manage water levels around public facilities.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed that the downpours also cut electricity supplies as floodwaters entered homes and offices. Residents and the island council worked together to clear water, digging trenches to channel it into the sea.
A specialised team from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Southern Area Command arrived with industrial pumps and sandbags to support drainage efforts. The Kolamaafushi Council said the military unit began operations immediately upon arrival.
The flooding is linked to the strengthening southwest monsoon. The Maldives Meteorological Service has warned of continued heavy showers, thunderstorms, and localised flooding across the country from 7 to 11 November.
Officials have urged the public to follow weather updates and take precautions, as several islands face risks of further inundation over the coming days.
