Large area in Fuvahmulah flooded due to storm surge

A large area in Fuvahmulah has been flooded as a result of storm surges caused by the bad weather being experienced in the Maldives.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) said that floods have affected over 20-foot areas in three regions in the island, resulting in saltwater reaching farmlands and fresh water wells of some houses.

President of Fuvahmulah Atoll Council Ali Fazad said that the farmlands affected by saltwater are those located near the eastern district bushy edge of the island, and the extent of the damage is not yet known as the flooding occurred in the night.

MNDF said that officers will be on alert in Fuvahmulah as more flooding can be expected when the tide is highest later tonight.

Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) said that heavy rain and strong winds can be expected in southern atolls, and winds will gust at 40 to 45 miles per hour.

MET Office said that no island other than Fuvahmulah had reported flooding.