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President forms Task Force to manage response to weather related losses

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has formed a Task Force tonight, the purpose of which is to monitor the losses faced by citizens due to current adverse weather conditions, and to find swift solutions.

Mariyath Mohamed
13 August 2024, MVT 23:36
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu-Cabinet meeting
Mariyath Mohamed
13 August 2024, MVT 23:36

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has formed a Task Force tonight, the purpose of which is to monitor the losses faced by citizens due to current adverse weather conditions, and to find swift solutions.

The Task Force, chaired by the President himself, has held its first meeting tonight.

President's Office Spokesperson Heena Waleed stated on social media X tonight that the Task Force was formed to monitor weather related losses and seek swift solutions to such issues as the stormy weather affecting the country presently has posed difficulties to the daily lives of citizens.

The Task Force is compiled of nine other members:

1. Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon

2. Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan

3. Minister of Education Dr Ismail Shafeeu

4. Minister of Health Dr Abdulla Khaleel

5. Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim

6. Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef

7. Chief of Staff Abdulla Fayaz

8. Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy

9. Police Commissioner Abdulla Shujau

In Male' alone, over 180 households have reported flooding inside, with people being currently relocated to temporary shelters from houses deemed uninhabitable due to storm related damage.

The National Disaster Management Authority is also providing assistance to families and households across the atolls in similar situations.

President Muizzu also declared tomorrow a government holiday due to the stormy weather impeding movement on the streets for pedestrians and motorists alike.

Maldives is experiencing heavy rains, thunderstorms, rough seas and strong winds across the country as the south west monsoon (Hulhan'gu) intensifies.

The worst effects of the weather are currently felt in the northern atolls, with the MET Office having issued a four hour Orange Alert for the region yesterday. Many islands in these atolls are flooded and are having incessant rain showers since yesterday.

MET Office has forecast similar stormy conditions for the next five days as well.

Wind speeds are expected to be between 17 to 27 miles per hour in northern and central atolls, with the southern atolls expected to see wind speed between 13 to 23 miles per hour. Wind gusts of 60 miles per hour were also warned.

Swell waves may also surge at high tide, with seas expected to be very rough across the country.

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