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Sunday 07 Dec 2025
LOCAL EDITION
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LOCAL EDITION
Torrential rain floods the streets of Male' City on August 13, 2024. (Photo/NDMA)
The Maldives has seen a rise in hazard events, resulting in a 67 percent increase last year on disbursement of emergency aid to address such incidents.
According to the 2024 disaster statistics report released by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), there has been a steady increase in both hazard events and financial aid disbursements over the last three years.
Hazard incidents reported to NDMA:
The NDMA believes the upward trend indicates not only a possible rise in hazard occurrence due to climate and environmental changes, but also improvements in reporting mechanisms and community level awareness.
The data also underscores the need for stronger preparedness systems, especially as the frequency and intensity of incidents continue to rise year by year.
The amount of financial aid disbursed by NDMA has similarly increased over the last three years.
Financial aid disbursed by NDMA:
The aid disbursement last year marks a 67 percent increase from the previous year.
According to NDMA, the upward trajectory in aid provision aligns with the growing scale of reported hazard events and associated impacts, especially in high density and flood prone regions.
“The figures reflect both the increasing demand for emergency assistance and the government’s strengthened commitment to disaster response and recovery,” reads the report.
Of the 251 incidents reported last year, the most frequent hazards were rainwater flooding, fire incidents, and strong winds.
Occurrence of hazard:
According to NDMA, the data indicates a shift toward more water and wind related hazards compared to previous years.
