Tsunami causes extensive flooding in the Maldives

Tsunami causes extensive flooding in the Maldives

Male’, 26 December 2004 (Sunday) - From about 9 am in the morning, the capital Male’ and other parts of the country have been flooded by the tsunami caused by the earthquakes in the eastern Indian ocean.

The tremors of the earthquakes were felt this morning from 6.27 for several minutes. Residents report waves up to 4 feet flooding the capital from around 9.15 am, leaving thousands displaced and about two thirds of the island under water. There are unconfirmed reports of casualties in some of the other islands.

The airport itself had been flooded and remains closed. An emergency taskforce has been setup to carry out relief operations, survey damage and prepare for any mitigation measures for any successive waves.

The damage includes extensive property damage. It is believed that food go-downs have also been affected by the flooded.

The Government is appealing for international assistance.

Notes to Editors:

• For inquiries, please call the Chief Government Spokesman, Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, on (+960) 773999, or the SCU on, (+960) 773394.

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