Several islands in Gaafu Alifu Atoll flooded after heavy rains

Non-stop heavy rain in Gaafu Alifu atoll has left some islands in the atoll flooded.

Badly hit islands in the atoll include Dhaandhoo, Gadhdhoo, Gemanafushi and Vilingili.

Speaking from Dhaandhoo, local Mohamed Ageel said that the flooding has damaged TVs and other household appliances, in addition to a number of computers in the island school. Flooding can be seen up to 2 to 2.5 feet in some areas around the island, Ageel said.

He said that locals and police are trying to drain the water, but the single pump in use is unable to counter floods caused by the heavy rain.

The island authorities have asked for assistance from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), who is due to arrive with additional drainage pumps and other equipment sometime today.

Thamheen Hassan, who is in Vilingili, told Sun Online that sewers have overflown in the island, causing dirty floodwater to spread across the island. He said that efforts are under way by locals, police and Red Cross teams to drain the water.