Dhigurah sustains losses in biggest tidal surge in 50 years

ADh. Dhigurah experienced its worst tidal surge in 50 years Thursday, resulting in damages to homes.

Dhigurah Council’s vice president Ibrahim Abdul Raheem told Sun the tidal surges began around 01:30 am.

“Wave after wave continued to sweep shore until around 04:00 am,” he said.

Ibrahim described it as the biggest tidal surge the island has experienced in the past 50 years.

“This is the biggest wave to hit the island in 50 years. The people of this island saw it as a tsunami,” he said.

Ibrahim said the tidal surge resulted in flooding in some of the homes and damages to the roads.

It also caused damages to vessels.

“The ropes that tied the ships broke, damaging steering wheels. The backs of some of the ships were severely damaged. They need some major renovation,” he said.

The council has established a committee to assess the damages.

Dhigurah has a population of around 700 people.

The incident comes amid a nation-wide white alert for tidal surges.

According to Maldives Meteorological Service, Maldives will be affected by heavy rain, strong winds of 19-24 miles per hour with gusts of 45 miles per hour, along with rough seas and swell surges.