All Fire and Rescue water pumps commissioned to drain flood waters

The Fire and Rescue department of Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) said on Tuesday it had commissioned all of its water pumps to drain the flood waters out of Maldive capital, Male’ City following torrential rainfall.

Minister of Defense Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, who came out to inspect the floods and to take part in efforts to drain the water, spoke with state-run Public Service Media (PSM) confirming MNDF officials have been dispatched to address the difficulties public faced due to Tuesday’s heavy rain. He said officers of the security force were dispatched on the instruction of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Minister Ghassan also confirmed all the pumps at Fire and Rescue had been brought out in their efforts to pump the water out.

The government earlier announced the decision to commission additional water pumps to solve flood issues across the capital city during heavy rainfall. The defense minister said these pumps will be brought in the next two months.

“The Maldivian people are known for their patience and cooperation with the government, and they are a deeply understanding people who knows that we can only do our part in times of such natural crisis, God willing, we will succeed,” Ghassan said.

The minister further said the security forces remain committed in sincerely helping the public in all their difficulties and added MNDF officials will take an active role in draining the flood waters across the city in the next two days.

Tuesday’s torrential rainfall caused flooding across all major Male’ City roads and streets making transportation difficult. Local authorities have already advised a temporary halt on the transportation of buses and other heavy vehicles until they drain the flood waters from the roads.

The Maldives Meteorological Center (MET Office) has also alerted of continuing rainfall along with rough seas and cautioned the public not to make any trips by sea unless necessary.

The authority on Tuesday also issued an orange alert from Kaafu to Alifu Dhaalu atolls effective from 14:15hrs to 18:15hrs and said the region will experience torrential rainfall, thunderstorms and flooding.