Tropical cyclone causes damage of US$65,000 to Bandidhoo island

An estimated MVR1 million (US$65,000) worth of damage was caused to Dhaalu Bandidhoo island after it was hit by a tropical cyclone on Tuesday, local media reported.

The cyclone, with heavy rains and strong winds, hit at around 11:30am and blew away roofs of several buildings including houses, an ancient mosque and the school hall.

Island council member Umar Zahir said that 12 palm trees and five large trees were uprooted, but that nobody was injured.

He said details of the damage have been shared with nearby resorts and the National Disaster Management Centre.

MP and resort owner Ahmed Siyam, who represents Bandidhoo, visited the island Tuesday afternoon and gave MVR5,000 to each of the five households where there was damage.

Opposition running mate Faisal Naseem also went to the island and provided an assistance of MVR1,000 to each of the affected families.

Zahir said the roofs had been repaired for four of the properties.

“We have put up a temporary roof in the mosque too. Electronic equipment damaged in another mosque has also been fixed,” he was quoted as saying by Mihaaru.

The Maldives Meteorology Service on Tuesday said the bad weather was the result of the rainy season gaining power in the region.

Photo: Mihaaru