Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Maldives experiencing tidal waves across the country

"Reports are coming in that several islands across the Maldives have been hit by tidal waves. According to National Meteorological Center five atolls across Maldives have so far been hit by the huge waves since this morning.

The waves were first known to have hit the islands in Addu atoll around 6:15 am. However no serious damage occurred due to the low tide at the time. In addition to Addu atoll, Gaafu Alifu atoll Kolamaafushi have also been hit. According to the Atoll Chief, Abdullah Saeed, 30 areas of the seawall in Gaafu Alifu atoll Kandu Hulhudhoo collapsed because of the waves.

The waves had flooded the populated area of the island, around 100 feet away from the beach, on the northern side of Laamu atoll Kunahandhoo. Due to the waves the residents of the island had now barricaded their homes with sand bags to keep the water out.

The waves were also experienced in Shaviyani atoll Feevah and Foakaidhoo. Shaviyani atoll office had already sent warning to the other islands in the atoll to be prepared for further wave activity. So far none of the islands in Male atoll and Noonu atoll has reported tidal waves or unusual ocean swells.

According to Addu atoll Chief, Hussein Saeed, the waves had hit Maradhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo, Herathere resort and Hithadhoo. He added that Feydhoo continued to be hit by the huge waves and that several a"

- Haveeru Online -

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