Dhivehi Observer News | South Asia | Maldives

Maldives urges international assistance

Sunday, December 26, 2004, 13:42 GMT, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Two-thirds of the main island is underwater.
Dec 26, Colombo: The Maldivian government today appealed to the international community to provide assistance to its people after tsunamis caused extensive flooding there.

Issuing a statement, the Maldivian President's Office said, "Since 9 a.m. this 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 earthquake were felt in the morning from 6.27 for several minutes. Residents reported waves up to four feet [of] flooding from around 9.15 a.m., leaving thousands displaced and about two-thirds of the island under water. There are unconfirmed reports of causalities in some of the other islands.

"The airport itself had been flooded and remains closed. An emergency taskforce has been set up 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 floods. The government is appealing for international assistance."