The distribution of flood control pumps donated by the Japanese government to local councils has officially begun as part of a national effort to mitigate worsening disaster risks, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has announced. Under the initial phase of the 'Economic and Social Development Project', which is funded by Japanese grant aid, pumps designed to protect against flood emergencies have thus far been delivered to the administrative councils of five islands, the authority stated.
The initial recipients include Inguraidhoo in Raa Atoll, Kaashidhoo in Kaafu Atoll, Mulah in Meemu Atoll, Feridhoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll, and Kandoodhoo in Thaa Atoll. Out of the 40 total pumps acquired during this first phase, distributions will reach 20 islands in the preliminary round, with each receiving two pumps and necessary equipment. Priority was given to communities that had not previously received pumps and had reported frequent flooding, the authority explained.
The initiative represents a critical component of policies enacted by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to fortify disaster response capabilities across the atolls and construct a more resilient Maldives. A second phase is scheduled to distribute drainage pumps to 15 additional islands: Ihavandhoo, Dhidhdhoo, and Uligan in Haa Alifu Atoll; Nellaidhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll; Maafaru in Noonu Atoll; Fainu in Raa Atoll; Kudarikilu in Baa Atoll; Naifaru in Lhaviyani Atoll; Gaafaru in Kaafu Atoll; Buruni in Thaa Atoll; Hulhudheli in Dhaalu Atoll; Magoodhoo and Bilehdhoo in Faafu Atoll; and Hoadhedhdhoo and Kanduhulhudhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
Severe weather frequently inflicts disruptive flooding across the Maldives. In pursuit of a comprehensive resolution, the administration is advancing broad infrastructural projects to establish robust stormwater management and drainage systems within vulnerable island communities. Such upgrades are actively underway in the capital city of Malé and several larger islands across the atolls, alongside parallel efforts to strengthen early warning systems nationwide.