High Tide Situation in Some Islands

Home , Dhaalu Atoll, Faafu Atoll, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Gadhdhoo, Gnaviyani Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll

JOINT RAPID ASSESSMENT REPORT ON SEA SWELL AFFECTED AREAS CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENTGOVERNMENT of the MALDIVESMALDIVES -– UNUN -- IFRCIFRC JOINT RAPID ASSESSME NT REPORT TIDAL SURGE19 May AFFECTED 2007 AREAS 19 May 2007

National Disaster Management Centre Male’ Republic of Maldives

FIG-01 MAP OF MALDIVES WITH THE AFFECTED ISLAND

HAA ALIFU ATOLL

HAA DHAALU ATOLL

SH AVI YA N I ATOLL NOONU ATOLL

RAA ATOLL LHAVIYANI ATOLL

BAA ATOLL

KAAFU ATOLL

ALIFU ALIFU ATOLL

SOUTH MALE’ ATOLL

ALIFU DHAALU ATOLL

VAAVU ATOLL

FAAFU ATOLL

MEEMU ATOLL

DHAALU ATOLL

THAA ATOLL

LAAMU ATOLL Madaveli Hoadedhdhoo

Nadallaa Rathafandhoo GAAFU ALIIFU ATOLL Fiyoari Fares-Maathoda GAAFU DHAALU ATOLL

GAAFU DHAALU ATOLL

GN AVI YA N I ATOLL

SEENU ATOLL

The full report prepared by the Department of Meteorology is available on request from the Department of Meteorology, email: [email protected], or the National Disaster Management Centre. [email protected]. 3

Executive Summary

On 15th May, and for four subsequent days, powerful swells hit many islands throughout the Maldives. According to the Department of Meteorology, the swells were generated by waves between 10 - 15 feet from a dissipated polar storm 3,500 miles south west of Maldives (near 50S, off the coast of South Africa). After generation, the waves traveled northeast for a few thousands kilometres and for a few days (the longest wavelengths travel the fastest) across the Indian Ocean.

Following appeals from the southern island and atoll authorities in the Maldives archipelago, a Joint Rapid Assessment mission traveled to the most severely affected islands in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll on 19th May. The purpose of the mission was to observe, assess and analyse the damage and the needs of the people, immediate and long-term. Six sectors were assessed: infrastructure, health, water and sanitation, livelihood, environment, and emergency relief needs. However, due to time constraints, not every sector could be covered on each island. The islands visited were Fares-maathoda, Rathafandhoo, Nadalla, Madaveli and Fiyoari. Fortunately there were no fatalities but 1649 people were evacuated from their homes to community facilities, families and friends on the islands in the immediate aftermath.

Main Findings

• This climatic phenomenon occurs each year throughout the Maldives at this time of year. This year the high tides were higher than usual and the degree of flooding almost unprecedented. While there is no scientific evidence yet that the phenomenon is due to global warming there is evidence to suggest that it might be. • The five islands visited in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll were the most severely affected of all the 88 affected islands on 18 atolls. It was a challenge to obtain correct and consistent information on the disaster and relief measures needed, due in part to fear and sense of helplessness within the communities.

• It became immediately apparent that additional and more detailed assessments would be necessary after some time has elapsed for each major sector affected because the initial assessment was not able to observe and assess potential longer- term problems that are likely to stem from the flooding. • Observations on the five islands documented substantial flooding and erosion. Islands located closest to the western barrier reef are the most damaged. Structures on the western side of any given island have been more damaged than those on the eastern side. Erosion is most pronounced on the south west portions of the islands although erosion due to flooding and flooding drain-back is present on the western sides of the islands nearest the reef. Damage to the harbours and quay walls of the islands has also been observed. The maximum inundation measured was in excess of 5 feet on the island of Fares-maathoda and the minimum flooded island visited was about less than a foot. An inundation event coming from the west was reported on three of the islands visited. • Limited numbers of houses were randomly checked as this was a rapid assessment. All basic services have been impacted such as electricity, water and sewerage systems. A more in-depth evaluation of the sewerage systems need to be conducted by experts urgently. The ground water quality assessments show that the water has been contaminated in all the five islands. The total coliform count as well as the faecal coliform count is higher than the reference range of the guidelines. Although sewerage systems are working it is recommended to send expertise to conduct a more in-depth check of conditions and advice more fully if necessary. • A number of houses were observed to have been damaged by flooding. The coral based houses means that not all of the damage is apparent at this stage. Longer term consequences are likely to be structural damage to walls and floors; but more extensive damage caused by infiltration of saline water is likely to have weakened foundations, leading to the need for repair and reconstruction. • Immediate needs are for bedding: mattresses and some household items.

• The children and some elderly people were observed to be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. These are more widespread in Fares-maathoda; in Fiyori symptoms were limited to children in the affected households; in Nadalla and Rathafandhoo the children did not display such symptoms overtly. The affected adult population has varied reactions (indecision, anger, sadness) as is normally expected in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Foreign workers, mostly teachers and health workers, in both Fares-maathoda and Fiyoari are undergoing stress.

• Socially, the communities’ participation has been good within and between communities. The American Red Cross trained volunteers from the school and many untrained volunteers from the community have been active with the island offices and the police teams in evacuating, putting sand bags, distributing food and water, and community clean up. The neighboring communities such as those from GDh. Gadhdhoo, GA. Nilandhoo and GA. Dhaandoo have been helping the affected communities. The government’s initiative of directing agencies to operate after the Tsunami in these islands, building capacity of the communities to respond to crisis, has been a definite success.

• Some schools in Fares-maathoda, Rathafandhoo were flooded. Some of the furniture was observed to be irreparably damaged by the floods. Schools were being cleaned and there was no disruption to children’s schooling. The school compound was flooded in Nadalla but there was only short-lived disruption to schooling. • There was no damage observed to any health infrastructure or disruption of services to the islands. The response of the Health taskforce had been well coordinated with the regional hospitals and the health facilities and the personnel had been actively engaged delivering their services in all the islands. Medication and hygiene supplies were insufficient. The mission carried some with them and other supplies were sent later. • It was evident from the observation from all the islands that livelihoods of the communities in the long term will be affected. The salt water intrusion has damaged crops and trees, visible immediately and it is foreseen that further damage will become apparent in the coming weeks. Home gardens and other means of livelihood such as fish processing are certain to require longer term recovery intervention.

In Malé, Logistics and Service support section in NDMC is coordinating all the logistics and transport arrangements to affected islands. A forward coordinating center (FCC) has already been established at the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) at GDh. Kaadhedhoo. A team from MNDF is already operational in the FCC.

Recommendations

The most urgent need is for clean drinking and household water in most of the islands. Specifically, Fares-maathoda and Nadalla are in urgent need of community tanks that must be filled with clean water by mobile desalination units, from which islanders can draw their needs. A request for additional community tanks (3 for each of the two islands) has been made. Detailed assessments will determine further needs.

Other necessary interventions: School-based psychosocial support activities (recreational/psycho-educational/cultural) should be conducted. Psychological information to parents on post traumatic stress should be given. The medication supplies of already existing psychiatric cases needs to be re-checked and supplemented if necessary. Information on post-traumatic stress and self care techniques needs to be given to the adult population. Survey and data collection on cases requiring psychiatric intervention needs to be done after 4 weeks of the disaster.

The assessment team foresees the need to conduct more in-depth sector-specific assessments within two to four weeks. This would allow for a better appreciation of longer-term damage to crops and livelihoods, property and people’s – particularly children’s - psychological status. Sector-specific monitoring of the evolution of the situation will be necessary for at least the next six months. The effect of prolonged soaking in salt water by some of the older, coral-built houses will need to be monitored over at least two years.

Specifically, more in depth assessment will be necessary to investigate housing and infrastructure construction, vegetative cover, garbage disposal issues to plan for improvements in the interests of the overall realm of island conservation.

Island Population Census Current estimated 2006 resident population1 Faares-Maathoda 1,743 1,150 Rathafandhoo 491 580 Fiyoari 667 950 Nadalla 650 670 Madaveli 1065 1,200

1 Data from 2006 census and from G.D. Atoll /Island offices 8

1. Introduction

This report contains the findings of a preliminary rapid assessment conducted by the Government. The assessment was carried out in collaboration with the different Government agencies, from the following different sectors: Infrastructure, Health, Water and sanitation, livelihoods, environment, and emergency relief needs. Personnel from various government ministries, international relief workers and UN counterparts comprised the team to conduct the rapid assessment of the islands, Fares-maathoda, Fiyoari, Rathafandhoo, Nadalla, and Madaveli. The assessment took place on the 19 May 2007. The location of the islands visited is given in Figure 1. List of the Rapid Assessment team is provided in Annexe 1, water quality assessments are given in Annex 2 and damage to crops and trees shown in Annexe 3.

2. Aims of this investigation

• To collect and record rapid field data on the impacts and effects of the swell in the selected island locations within the Maldives, • To compliment and extend relief work, address immediate requirements of the affected communities • General field assessment of the situation

3. Assessment Methodology

The teams were divided into the above mentioned sectors and dispersed to gather general information and ground water samples were collected for further analysis. These are provided in Annex 2. The team on Emergency Relief requirement and general assessment of the situation of the affected are as follows.

4. Findings

Fares-maathoda

Total population according to 2006 Census: 1,743

Affected population profile

Affected people according to the island chief: approximately 390.

It is not clear how many families were affected. They are presently hosted by families and friends in Maathoda. On the initial day some of them stayed on dhonis; while others

9 were at the waterfront and also in community buildings. Three families have already returned home. Families are expected to be moving back to their houses after cleaning. The dis-aggregate data of the population has not been collected so far.

Environment: Flooding, coastal damage and erosion

The island of Fares encountered intense flooding for three consecutive days. The swell was washed ashore in a southwesterly direction. The entire island of Fares was flooded on 17 May 2007 and nearly one third of Maathoda was flooded. The maximum inundation was observed to be 5 feet at the initial area of the shoreline with a declining gradient, 3 feet at the centre of the island and approximately a foot at the opposite end of island from where the wave approached. Deeply incised gullies were present on the south western side of the island. Structures on the south western side of the island have been more damaged than those on the northern side. Erosion is most pronounced on the south western portions of the islands although erosion due to flooding and flooding drain back is present. Damage to the inner quay wall and outer quay wall has also been observed.

Health

All the equipments in the health centre are in working condition. There is sufficient amount of oral rdehydration salts (ORS) available at the health center. A small amount of IV fluids and other drugs are also available at the health center. The pharmacy is functioning and all the commonly used drugs are reported to be available. None of the staff were reported to be affected. There is no major outbreak following the floods, but two cases of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) were reported on the 16th and 17th of May 2007. Both the cases have recovered well on symptomatic treatment. Five cases of minor injuries were recorded; all were having superficial abrasions and bruises. Two cases were reported with sleep disturbance (disruption). No other reported case of psychological disturbance or exacerbation of preexisting psychological/psychiatric problems. There was a power failure for a few hours resulting in the breakage of cold chain of the vaccines. However, the first round of vaccination for the month of May had already been completed and the next round would be in late May. The vaccines would be supplied by the regional hospital. Health education and awareness on hygiene and prevention of food/water borne diseases are being ongoing. Chlorination of the wells is ongoing.

Water and Sanitation

Water is very scarce in these two islands, especially in Fares, even before they were hit by the tidal surges. Most houses do not have rain water harvesting tanks. Ground Water is contaminated. The community is supposed to be using unpolluted ground water from the island mosque well for cooking and bathing. A few community tanks have limited supplies of water. Due to time limitations, a detailed assessment on the amount of water readily available was not possible. A detailed assessment should be done, but at the same time water needs to be supplied to the island with immediate effect. The water supplied to the island by MIFCO – 10 tonnes - will last for three days. The island is observing a

10 fairly dry season in the past few months. The flooding further exacerbated the situation by contamination.

Re sanitation, some septic tanks are not covered properly so dirty water and sludge has leaked. A bad smell permeates the air. It is recommended to send expertise to conduct a more in-depth check of conditions and advise more fully if necessary.

Electricity

The island has 3 generator sets of 110kva, 120kva and 65kva and no damage was reported. Both cables and distribution boxes are in good condition.

Availability of food stocks Food is not available in the shops. The business community is also as much affected. Relief food items i.e. rice flour, sugar, soft drinks, biscuits, etc. were provided to the affected population from various donors. The people of Gadhdhoo and Nilandhoo have further extended their support by physically reaching the island, distributing food and also participating in the cleaning up of the island.

Infrastructure

Houses closer to the shoreline on the western side of the island were impacted more. Different houses had encountered various degrees of damage. Among the houses observed, there was one house which was old. This house was built by using coral, sand and limestone. The wall facing the waterfront had collapsed. The foundation of the house was exposed because the sedimentation or sand right below the house has been eroded. The top soil of the island has become loose and it will take time for the settling of the ground. There were small cracks observed on the houses, some new, while others were there before. The rate of deterioration/damage to the house might be seen with time.

Damage to the school infrastructure includes partial collapse of the school boundary wall due to the floods.

The roads were covered with waste/garbage and there was debris on the road. There were no major pot holes on the road. Small size rubble was found all over the roads.

Livelihoods

Extensive damage to the home gardens was observed due to the continuous floods of three consecutive days. Almost all the houses visited had crops such as bananas, papaw, betel nut, mango, custard apples, breadfruit, stone apples, etc. Different crops were affected to different degrees. The banana plants had not withstood the flooding and had collapsed. Some of the trees affected might be able to rapidly recover in the near future if there is plenty of rain. The desalinization of ground water will take time and it is difficult to assess the extent of damage at this stage. It is recommended to make further

11 assessments after two weeks, which would allow for a better appreciation of the true extent of damage and recovery.

The number of houses visited randomly in the affected area within the given limited time was12. The home gardens were affected to different levels. Ranking was done on the home gardens. Damage is minimal - low if 1/3 of the trees planted were damaged. Classified as Medium if ½ of the trees planted were damaged and high if all the trees planted were damaged. This method was used just to get an overall degree of damage to livelihood in the island and this is just a very vague index and should be treated with caution. Nine houses had the home gardens classified as High, 2 medium and 1 Low.

The level of impact or damage to the fish processing facilities of the different households varied. Some households had encountered total damage of the fish processing equipments. One household had lost all the dried sea cucumber resources which fetch high prices in the South East Asian markets. It is recommended to do island specific assessments at a later date.

As the rapid assessment team focused more on Faares, fewer encounters were with the fish processors. The livelihoods of Maathoda depend more on fisheries and fish processing activities. This could be looked into in the detailed assessment.

Most urgent needs: Water, mattresses

General observations and discussion with individuals:

The entire island of Fares was affected by the swell leading to the flooding of the island. The flooding has caused collection of debris, salt intrusion into the water table and contamination of groundwater with faecal matter. The island has limited supply of food however some relief items have already reached the affected. Most of the affected families are still cleaning their houses. The most affected houses are evidently directly exposed to the waves. These are poorly built, old houses with coralline stone and without plaster. The water mark observed at the houses on average are about one and half feet. The general living conditions of these families are poor. This is however, a generalized statement and may not apply to all houses.

Septic tanks are of the soak away model. Some of these have been damaged and the faecal matter is visible on the ground. There has been salt intrusion into the wells from the continuous flooding of three days. The island has a strong stench of sewage. Sewage sludge was observed along with debris in certain areas. The ground water on the island is contaminated. The cleaning up of the island is still in progress.

GDh. Fiyoari

Total population according to 2006 Census: 673

Affected population profile

Total number of people affected: 24 people from 5 households. Three families have already returned home. One of the houses is an abandoned house. Disaggregated data on the population have so far not been collected.

Environment: Flooding, coastal damage and erosion Limited flooding occurred in the settled areas of the island. The coastal zone was affected to various degrees at different parts. Some areas observed in Fiyoari were flooded more. Especially the southwestern tip of the island has been eroded. There was flooding from the south western direction to almost 200feet. Eye witnesses say that the water level was about 2 feet. They tried to pump the saline water out of the marshy land without success. Damage to the coast and erosion is noted to be significant. An opening/gully was observed between the sea and the mangrove swamp. This may lead to an alteration of the habitat. Salt water intrusion will be continuous with this nearly 60 feet long opening. Waves will be moving directly into the swampy area or the mangrove. The littoral forests of the islands were affected.

Health All equipment is in working condition. There are sufficient ORS, IV fluids stocks and other drugs at the health centre. The pharmacy is functioning and reported to have all commonly used drugs. One of the attendants’ houses was damaged and the doctor is psychologically disturbed after the incidence. There is no major disease outbreak following the floods and no reported cases of diarrhoea. No reported case of injuries or psychological/psychiatric problems. Health education on hygiene and prevention of food/water borne diseases is ongoing. All the wells in the affected area have been chlorinated.

Water and Sanitation

The island has bee experiencing quite a dry season in the past few months. Water was scare when the island got hit by the waves. The flooding further exacerbated the situation by contamination of well water in the affected area. Drinking water is adequate. Most of the households have rain water tanks. People use fresh water available for washing and bathing purposes. There were no community water tanks within the vicinity of the damaged area. Water will need to be supplied to the island if the dry season continues. Out of the 8 houses visited, 3 houses have a properly working sewage system. Septic tanks are in good condition but a bad smell was in the air.

Electricity

The island has 2 generator sets of 48kva and 62kva, and is in operation. There was no damage reported. 500 feet of cable (25 meters) is damaged due to the flood waters. This needs to be clarified further more since the cables are located under the ground. One distribution box was damaged due to flooding.

Availability of food stocks: Relief food is available. The unaffected population and the island office is extending help. Water is scarce. Relief goods include cash of Rf 2000/- family, rice sugar and flour, donors as well as the Government.

Infrastructure

There were no major structural damages to the infrastructure. Some of the houses had reported minor cracks as well

Livelihoods

There is a community marshy land “Olhu” – taro field in the island which was affected. It is approximately an area of 1200ft x 800ft of which on average a household has an area of 50ft x 50ft. Each individual household owns a plot from the field. This is a major source of income to the family. Also the “hau” – hay from the area is widely sold to the nearby islands for the traditional mat weaving. This will have a negative impact to the livelihoods of the community as a result of the damage to the filed by flood waters. Also home gardens in the flooded zone had different degree of damages.

Most urgent needs: Water, mattresses

General observations and discussion with individuals:

The taro crops which belong to the individuals have been affected by the flood. The majority of the island population has not been affected and the affected are under control. The cleaning process not yet started. One family consulted expressed the requirement of school books for the children. With flooding the communities have not been able to save household items and utensils.

GDh. Rathafandhoo

Total population according to 2006 Census: 492

Affected population profile

Total number of people affected: 24 from 5 households. The affected families have been hosted with families/friends on the island. Three families have already returned home. Five nuclear families living within one household fears that there home is unsafe and is reluctant to move back. Disaggregated data on the population have not been collected so far.

Environment: Flooding, coastal damage and erosion

Nearly one third of Rathafandhoo was flooded and at the initial area, the flooding was noted to be 3 feet. Nearly 50 feet of the main road toward the beach was damaged by erosion. Flooding was intense on the first two days. Third day the flooding was very limited. They are reporting flooding of the South East end of the island. This area has a mangrove swamp. The north eastern tip of the island was eroded. The houses on the leeward side are directly exposed to waves and are the hardest hit with inundation up to 2 feet high.

Health

All the equipments are in working condition. There is sufficient amount of ORS in the health center. A small amount of IV fluids and other drugs are available in the health center. The pharmacy is reported to have most of the commonly used drugs and is functioning. None of the staff were reported to be affected. There is no major outbreak following the floods and no reported cases of diarrhoeal disease. No reported case of injuries or psychological/psychiatric problems. Health education on hygiene and prevention of food/water borne diseases are being given and ongoing. Chlorination of the wells is ongoing.

Water and Sanitation

Water was scarce when the island was hit by the swells and remains so. The affected region has only one water tank. The island has been experiencing quite dry season in the past few months. The flooding further exacerbated the situation by contamination of well water. No septic tanks are damaged. The sewerage system is working right now but may need assistance to ensure that there is proper installation. Most of the households have water tanks. Community tanks have a supply of rain water that appears adequate to needs. In the affected area, ground water is contaminated. People use fresh water available for washing and for bathing purposes. The drinking water harvested in the black tanks are in good condition and has 1/3 of its capacity in store.

Electricity

There are 3 Generator sets and are all in good condition. Both the cables and distribution boxes are in good condition and no disruption of services has taken place.

Availability of food stocks

Relief food is available. The unaffected population and the island office is extending help. Relief goods including cash up to Rf. 2000/family, rice sugar and flour have been provided by donors and the Government.

Infrastructure

No major damage to infrastructure. Some of the households in the flooded area had encountered cracks in the walls while in other cases existing cracks has widened.

Livelihoods

The number of houses visited randomly in the affected area within the given limited time was 7. The home gardens were affected to different levels. Ranking was done on the home gardens. Damage is minimal - low if 1/3 of the trees planted were damaged. Classified as Medium if ½ of the trees planted were damaged and high if all the trees planted were damaged. This is just a very vague index and should be treated with caution. Three houses had the home gardens classified as High, 2 medium and 2 Low.

Among the households visited, none were engaged in the fish processing sector but that does not mean there are fish processors. Some households were engaged in traditional mat weaving, sewing and carpentry work. One of the households visited had damage to their equipments and tools.

Most urgent needs: Water

General observations and discussion with individuals:

The relief goods provided could last for 3-4 days.

GDh. Nadella

Total population: 614 (Census 2006)

Affected population profile

Total number houses: 45 Further information on the population profile was not been able to get

Environment: Flooding, coastal damage and erosion

A significant area of Nadalla was flooded which is recorded to be 66 percent of the island. Flooding depth is recorded to be 3 feet in area near the coast and 2 feet in other areas. A 150 feet long sea wall has been damaged by the waves directly exposing the island to the waves. A significant area is also noted to be damaged by erosion.

Health

All the equipments are in working condition. There is sufficient amount of ORS in the health center. No IV fluid available at the time of the flood, but now has been supplied by the regional hospital. There is a small pharmacy in the islands and as per the staff this pharmacy does not have all the commonly used drugs. None of the staff were reported to be affected. Ten reported cases of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) on 18th. As per the doctor most of these cases were having single episode of vomiting or loose motion. All improved well with medication. No reported case of injuries or psychological/psychiatric problems. Health education on hygiene and prevention of food/water borne diseases given are being given and ongoing. Chlorination of the wells is ongoing.

Water and Sanitation

Water is a major issue. Community tanks have less water. The community is collecting water in jerry cans. Affected community ground water is contaminated through leakage from the septic tanks. In general the whole island is urgently in need of water; need to send water with immediate effect. It is also necessary to send experts to do a detailed analysis of water requirements of the island. The sewerage system is working. Need to get advice on sewerage matters from the technical experts.

Electricity

The Generator sets are in good condition. No damage to the cable has been reported. Reported damage to 2 distribution boxes but this needs to be verified.

Availability of food stocks Supplies of relief item available, biscuit, sugar, rice, water, juice, etc. Water (50 tonnes) is being supplied by MIFCO collector vessels. GDh. Thinadhoo and GDh. Dhandhoo extended support in terms of dry food, medicine and chlorine.

Infrastructure

No major damage to infrastructure. Some of the households in the flooded area had encountered cracks in the walls while in other cases existing cracks has widened. Part of the Islands Office boundary wall has collapsed. There are small, visible cracks on the walls of the island office.

Livelihoods

The number of houses visited randomly in the affected area was 7. The home gardens were affected to different levels. Three houses had the home gardens classified as High, 4 medium – 2, and 1 - Low.

Among the households visited, none were engaged in the skipjack processing but one household processed sea cucumber. One household had a shop and there was no damage to the goods. A generator was damaged.

Most urgent needs: Water, bed sheets, pillows

General observations and discussion with individuals:

The houses on the leeward side directly exposed to waves are the hardest hit with inundation up to 2 ft high. The houses affected are poorly built and vulnerable to any minor risk.

GDh. Madaveli

Total population: 1065 (Census 2006)

Affected population profile

No: of houses : 50 Average family size : 7-8 Further information on the population profile is not yet available.

Environment: Flooding, coastal damage and erosion

Nearly one third of Madaveli was flooded. The depth of flooding was reported to be 2 to 3 feet at the area of initial impact. Coastal damage identified in the island is very significant. A large area on both the ends of the island is noted to be affected by coastal damage and erosion

Health

Most of the available equipments are in working condition. Some of the equipments like needle holders need to be changed (not related to the floods). The nebuliser available in the health center is a manual one which is difficult to operate. This difficulty was felt very much when a patient was brought with exacerbation of bronchial asthma following the floods. There is a shortage of IV stands. There is sufficient amount of ORS, IV fluids and other drugs in the health center. The pharmacy is reported to have all the commonly used drugs and is functioning. One of the attendants home was reported to be affected. There were 6, 2 and 4 cases of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) reported on 17th, 18th and 19th respectively. Two of the patients (children) were referred to the regional hospital as the required sizes of IV canula were not available for intravenous IV infusion. All the patients have recovered well. One case of soft tissue injury was reported. Few reported cases of allergic skin reactions on using the ground water. No reported case of psychological/psychiatric problems. Health education on hygiene and prevention of food/water borne diseases given are being given and ongoing. Chlorination of the wells is ongoing.

Water and Sanitation

Community tanks have adequate water but there were complaints that the water is not safe to drink. Most of the houses have rain water tanks but the stored water level is low. Affected community ground water is contaminated, thus they use the rain water for washing and bathing. If the dry season continues; they envisage a shortage in supply of water, and water needs have to be met. The MIFCO vessel was there to deliver water all day but the community did not collect water. The community was saying that there were no means to transfer the water. They did not have a pump and hose to pump it out. They also said that there was no transportation available to transfer the water from the carrier vessel from the outside waters. No damage to septic tanks has been observed. The sewage system is functioning well.

Electricity

The island has 3 Generator sets 144 Kva, 64 Kva and 80 Kva. Cables are in good condition. There was no damage to the distribution box.

Availability of food stocks and water: Sugar, rice and flour have been provided as relief food items

Infrastructure

By the time the island office facilitated the team to work it was too dark to inspect the damages to the houses.

Livelihoods

The number of houses visited randomly in the affected area was 6. The home gardens were affected to different levels. Ranking was done on the home gardens. Three households had the home gardens classified as medium and 3 were impacted at the low level. None were classified in the high category. We were informed that there are areas in the island were fish processing was carried out but because of dark we were not able to assess the place. There were number of boat yards but according to the guide these places were not affected. These issues need to be tackled separately at a later stage.

Most urgent needs: Water, bed sheets, pillows, mattresses

General observation and discussion with individuals:

The island could not be observed in much depth because by the time the team reached it was 5:30 and almost getting dark. Detailed assessments of the islands will follow.

Generally, there is a need for food and other relief items including bed sheets, mattresses and pillows and household items for cooking and toilet cleaning items As per the minimum consultations with the community, the sewerage system is damaged, wells are contaminated, there is an out break of diarrhea. A community building has been converted into a shelter camp. 7 families were located in the shelter.

The island has been provided with relief food rice, flour and sugar. There is no mechanism to access the water supply carried by the MIFCO vessels as they do not have hoses/pipes.

Lessons Learnt

• A consistent approach is essential to ensure that response is commensurate with the level and scale of the disaster. . • Correct information on the disaster and relief measures to the population needs to be improved. • Need for better protocols and standard operating procedures (SOP) • Appraisal of need for and management of buffer stocks at regional levels • Need for continued empowerment of the psychosocial, first aid and other emergency professionals at the island level • Review mitigation measures at all levels including priority environmental actions

• Better coordination with the media to pool information gathering efforts • Standard reporting templates needed for central, atoll and island offices

Lessons learnt from the Indian Ocean Tsunami • A very positive reaction on part of the population was to attend the power stations immediately after the events to keep power running • Training and empowerment of communities in disaster management techniques and in part thanks to international agencies. • Strengthened disaster coordination at the central government level

Acknowledgements

The National Disaster Management Centre would like to acknowledge and thank the services of all the team members who worked hard to fulfill the task assigned in the limited time span. The tireless efforts of the communities and their leaders must also be recognized, as well as the neighbouring island communities who provided comfort and support to the affected population.

Annex: 1

List of the team members deployed to carry out the rapid damage assessment.

Name Designation Office Mr. Hassan Aiman Assistant Desk Officer Department of External Resources Delegate of Indian High Mr. Mohan Lal Indian High Commission Commission Assistant Information Ministry of Planning and National Mr. Ali Mubeen Officer Development Mr. Luyyau Adam Inspector Maldives Water and Sewerage Authority Disaster Management Ms. Enza Mancuso IFRC Delegate Ms. Fathmath Thasneem National Program Officer UNDP

Mr. Wais Waheed Captain Maldives National Defense Force Assistant Accounts Ministry of Construction and Public Mr. Ahmed Shifaz Officer Infrastructure Assistant Agriculture Ministry of Fisheries Agriculture and Mr. Hussain Faisal Officer Marine Resources Ministry of Fisheries Agriculture and Mr. Mohamed Gasim Senior Field Officer Marine Resources Ministry of Fisheries Agriculture and Mr. Khaalid Yoosuf Senior Field Officer Marine Resources Assistant Executive Mr. Abdul Azeez Abdulla Ministry of Atolls Development Director Ministry of Planning and National Mr. Ibrahim Naseem Deputy Director Development Dr. Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed Senior Medical Officer Ministry of Health

Ms. Zaha Waheed Deputy Director National Disaster Management Centre

Annex 2.Water Quality Assessment of South Huvadhu Atoll islands after the sea swells

Island: Fares-maathoda Q 8 Date: 19 - 05 - 2007

Sample Location Time pH Conductivity Turbidity Dissloved Temp. Salinity Remarks Type of Total Faecal Coliform ID (x1000) Oxygen Degrees Water Coliform Count (E. coli ) (ms/cm) (mg/l) Centigrade Count/100ml /100ml ***

Q 8 - 01 Hight Light 9:45 7.27 41.1 2 0.76 30.0 2.66 colour & smell Well >100 >100 Q 8 - 02 Athireege 9:54 9.98 0.078 0 4.8 28.7 0 Rain 16 0 Q 8 - 03 Fathaha 10:17 7.65 2.55 6 0.19 29.5 0.12 colour & smell Well >100 14 Q 8 - 04 Asseyri ( Mathodaa) 10:58 7.62 16 3 0.05 29.5 0.94 colour & smell Well >100 >100 Q 8 - 05 Shiyaa " 11:15 7.43 39.8 13 0.22 30.0 2.56 colour & smell Well >100 >100

Island: Fiyoree Q 7 Date: 19 - 05 - 2007

Sample Location Time pH Conductivity Turbidity Dissloved Temperatur Salinity Remarks Type of Total Faecal Coliform ID (x1000) Oxygen e Degrees Water Coliform Count (E. coli ) (ms/cm) (mg/l) Centigrade Count/100ml /100ml ***

Q 7 - 01 Blue hevan 11:55 7.44 31.00 0 2.33 30.7 1.94 colour & smell Well >100 >100 Q 7 - 02 Ravilaage 12:00 7.71 10.20 0 1.72 29.3 0.57 colour & smell Well >100 >100 Q 7 - 03 Wids screen 12:15 7.41 17.30 25 1.95 29.8 1.05 colour & smell Well Q 7 - 04 Reegal 12:30 8.11 0.91 0 3.95 28.2 0.04 Well Q 7 - 05 Irufahage 12:35 7.96 1.11 1 2.23 29.5 0.05 colour & smell Well

Island: Rathafandhoo Q 05 Date: 19 - 05 - 2007

Q 5 - 01 Sakeenaa manzil 14:20 7.53 7.02 1 0.7 28.7 0.38 colour & smell Well >100 5 Q5 - 02 Sheydy coaner 14:25 7.48 13.50 3 0.51 28.9 0.81 colour & smell Well >100 >100 Q5 - 03 Fehifarudhaage >100 >100

Island: Nadalla Q3 Date: 19 - 05 - 2007

Q 3 - 01 Hifaseyhage 16:00 7.56 30.20 0 0.58 30.5 1.96 colour & smell Well >100 >100 Q 3 - 02 Veanas 16:05 8.19 13.20 1 1.62 29.3 2.53 colour & smell Well >100 >100 Q 3 - 03 Dhekunuge 16:20 7.34 17.00 0 0.96 28.8 1.05 colour & smell Well >100 >100 Q 3 - 04 Efection 16:40 7.89 10.39 0 2.35 29.2 0.53 colour & smell Well 0 0 Q 3 - 05 Sooraj 16:50 7.67 1.21 2 1.01 30.0 0.09 colour & smell Well >100 >100

Island: Madaveli Q 1 Date: 19 - 05 - 2007

Q1 - 01 Coral Q1-01(1) 18:35 Well >100 0 Q1- 01 Coral Q1-01(2) 18:46 Well >100 >100 Q1 - 02 Leenaa 18:46 Well >100 >100 Q1 - 03 Nivaadhoshuge 19:05 The machine was out of order Well >100 0 Q1- 04 Dheyliaage 19:00 Well >100 28 Q1 - 05 Noovila 19:05 Well 0 0 Q1 - 06 Asurumaage 19:15 Well 58 42 *** The result of confirmatory test of sample IDS underlined for E.coli is to be followed.

* WHO Guideline for Fresh Water Parameter Reference Range pH 6.5 - 8.5 Electrical Conductivity 1500µs/cm Turbidity <5NTU Physical appearance Clear & colourless Total coliforms 0/100ml Faecal coliforms 0/100ml

Annex 3. Types of trees damaged in the households visited by the Rapid Assessment Team in GDh. Atoll

G.Dh - Madaveli Types of Trees Damaged Damaged Level u k e i e h r c

nj t es e ge

t ses n um io d rd es mond o es u r l uit ppl l u r e ple pl v e u it bba o n A ana h A a ppl ane s ang o n i u ick a in r Ho ber lla y r a d e

T p i ap me r c ki g d g to a f / n oes st on f c v a r r rg s r m ava

l i i um es li df pe e w e a l ar e e a h o y e l s odi ana a u t s t et o n t te o e e lli l th . mb rry l mp m s p l n g t tt ake g be an ul r m aw af m um ea a on li edi ang si obi auv u o a r a u u a t o Smal No vi B Be G Cus C Bi M ap S Cuc To Cor Dr Count Au Wa Chi Le Le Neem P Ta B G W P Ram S Cas Pu Sn Ma Be Scr Ab B B S High M 1 2 3 4 5 6

G.Dh - Nadalla 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

G.Dh - Rathafandhoo 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

G.Dh - Fiyoari u e ik e h c

j s n es e ond e o t n um d i l age e d m at o les e es g ui l ppl l ur r e n ur n k ous e s n a p an h A a a i l uit abb ic ine n f y r a d A eav t H p appl m s g f c r kin to d n v c l a t r r r dil i s r nas e go

l av io i t/Ta um egr e app l ar e go e ha o y i y e l t s lie h t e n r t o t e te l ngoe i . of mbi m mp l s t t r ma af m aw ums ead a on li a s obil auv o o u ube a r apo nak ean bul o uga ana t Smal N vi B Be G Cus Cur Bi M ap S Cucumber To Cor Dr Coun A Wa Chil Le Le Neem P Ta B G W P Rampe S Cass Pu S Mat B Screw A B B S High Med 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

G.Dh - Fares Mathoda 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12