26 December 2004
Several islands including resorts in the
Maldives have been flooded, after a series
of tsunami waves triggered by an earthquake
swapmped the low-lying Indian Ocean archipelago.
|
|
Flood water in the streets of Male' |
A huge undersea earthquake which hit the
northern part of Indonesia's Sumatra island,
is reportedly the cause of the tsunami waves.
Reports are coming that tourists and inhabitants
of the Maldives are among casualties. The
figure is not confirmed yet. Some people
are reported missing as waves swapped across
the low lying islands.
It was reported that tremours were felt
by residents in Male', the capital at around
5:30am this morning and lasted for around
15 seconds.
Marine Drive in Male' is under 2 1/2 feet
of water and many other roads in the capital
are under water.
Rough Male' have postponed dhoni services
and Male' international airport in Hulhule
has been closed. Reports have said that
small baggage vehicles have been seen floating
around the airport island.
Resorts badly hit by tsunami include Kurumba
Viallge, Vellavaru island Resort, Kani Resort,
Alimatha Tourist Resort, Meeru Island Resort,
Athurugau, Full Moon Beach Resort, Ari Beach
Resorts and Boduhithi Island Resort.
The local media confirmed a death of a
tourist holidaying in Ari Beach Resort of
an heart attack after being washed into
the sea. Fifty water bungalows in Ari Beach
Resort have reportedly been washed away.
|
