Noonu Atoll

Sun English Edition | 22 hours, 13 minutes ago | concerned

10 homes in Maafaru experience flooding from heavy rain

Heavy rain on June 12, 2026 caused severe flooding in N. Maafaru, Maldives, damaging at least 10 homes. The rain started around 2:15 pm and lasted until sunset. Maafaru Council President Mohamed Abdul Ghani reported unusually severe flooding and requested assistance from the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF). Soldiers built trenches and piled sandbags at building entrances. Dewatering finished around 12:30 am Saturday. Although no property damage reports were filed, water seeped into bedrooms and likely damaged wooden furniture. The Maldives Meteorological Service forecasts continued rain on Saturday, clearing in most areas but scattered rain in the south.

The Standard | 10 months, 3 weeks ago | optimistic

President Muizzu Departs for 13-Island Noonu Tour to Boost Local Development

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu began a four-day tour of all 13 inhabited islands of Noonu Atoll, departing Malé this morning. He will meet island councils and Women’s Development Committees, and inaugurate development projects including police posts, fitness centers, and upgrades to schools and health centers. Accompanying him are cabinet ministers and senior officials. He is expected to return to Malé on Thursday.

Maldives Republic | 11 months ago | positive

Maafaru International Airport Reopens After Major Expansion

Maafaru International Airport reopened after completing its second major development phase, marked by a ceremonial landing of an Airbus A330-200 by Maldivian on 8 July 2025. The airport, operated by Island Aviation Services Ltd, is in Noonu Atoll. The first phase was funded by ADFD for $49 million, and the second phase by MTCC for $27 million. The runway was extended to 2.8 km to handle Code E aircraft. Since 2019, the airport has handled over 3,000 international flights and 250,000 passengers. A third phase is planned.

Maldives Republic | 11 months, 3 weeks ago | tense

Solih Announces Bid for MDP Presidential Ticket as Nasheed Set to Rejoin Party

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has declared his intention to contest the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential primary for the 2028 election. The announcement was made at a dinner in Malé hosted by former lawmaker Mohamed Rasheed Hussain, attended by key MDP figures including Mohamed Aslam, Ahmed Mahloof, and Adam Azim. This comes as former President Mohamed Nasheed is set to rejoin the MDP on Monday night, bringing a large group of his supporters from the breakaway Democrats party. The MDP officially welcomed Nasheed and his followers on Wednesday, following a resolution by The Democrats' national assembly. MDP Chair Fayyaz Ismail expressed welcome, emphasizing unity against the Muizzu administration.

The Standard | 1 year, 1 month ago | concerned

Stormy Skies Over Maldives: Met Office Issues White Alert Amid Severe Weather

The Maldives Meteorological Service issued a White Alert on May 6, 2025, effective 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, covering Noonu Atoll to Vaavu Atoll. The alert warns of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds up to 40 mph. This follows recent weather warnings, and residents and travelers are urged to exercise caution, especially in flood-prone and coastal areas.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 2 months ago | concerned

Government Seeks $100M in First Cross-Subsidy Project for National Security

The Maldives government launched the first cross-subsidy project for national security, increasing the investment target to US$100 million from an initial US$15 million. Under the model, investors receive islands or lagoon rights in exchange for financing government initiatives. The government is offering Hiymiya Falhu, a 712-hectare lagoon near Malé worth over US$40 million, and other unspecified locations. The announcement comes amid speculation that the government is purchasing surface-to-air missiles and a ship from a Turkish defense contractor. The government has already procured drones from a Turkish company for US$37 million, which is above market rates, leading to allegations of corruption.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 11 months ago | neutral

Three Somalis Rescued After Dinghy Washed Ashore in Noonu Atoll

Three Somali nationals were rescued after their dinghy washed ashore on Vavathi Island in Noonu Atoll, Maldives. The Maldives Police Service reported the incident and is investigating. The men are under police care. The Maldives is east of Somalia. Similar incidents have occurred before.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 2 months ago | tense

Parliament Committee Grills LGA Officials Over Directive to Withdraw Council Statement

Local Government Authority (LGA) CEO Mariyam Zulfa faced questioning from the Parliament Decentralisation Committee over a directive to retract a statement by the Kendhikulhudhoo Council that criticized President Muizzu's use of state resources during a visit to Noonu Atoll. MP Ahmed Easa submitted a motion calling the directive illegal. MDP committee members grilled Zulfa on the legality of her decision. Zulfa defended the directive as urgent to prevent irreparable damage, saying she had authority without board approval. Attorney General Ahmed Usham later advised on the matter, and President Muizzu advocated for council autonomy. The council refused to retract the statement.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 2 months ago | positive

Maldives-Türkiye Ties Strengthen as Defence Collaboration Deepens

President Mohamed Muizzu revealed that the drones recently introduced into the Maldives National Defence Force's (MNDF) Air Corps were a grant aid from Türkiye. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Maafaru, Noonu Atoll, highlighting deepening Maldives-Türkiye ties. The drone acquisition had been controversial, with the government not disclosing financial details. President Muizzu's relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, including an invitation after his election, has been a cornerstone of the defense collaboration. Local media reported the agreement to be worth around US$37 million. The Defence Ministry has not provided further details under the Right to Information Act. The initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance self-reliance in defense, including plans to double the Coastguard fleet. Critics have raised concerns about transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 2 months ago | positive

Maldives Launches Air Corps With Turkish-Made Drones to Boost Surveillance Capabilities

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) inaugurated its Air Corps with three Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey at Maafaru International Airport on 15 March 2024. President Mohamed Muizzu presided over the event. The opposition Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) accused the government of financial impropriety and bypassing protocols, calling the procurement a "huge scam" financed through the contingency budget. The government defended the acquisition as necessary for round-the-clock surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone and combating drug trafficking. The UAVs have a 300 km range and precision strike capability.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 3 months ago | tense

Parliament Committee Summons LGA Over Directive to Retract Council Statement

The Parliament Decentralisation Committee summoned top officials of the Local Government Authority (LGA) after the LGA ordered the Kendhikulhudhoo Council to retract a statement characterizing President Mohamed Muizzu's actions during a visit to Noonu Atoll as abuse of state resources. The council refused, citing lack of legal basis. Attorney General Ahmed Usham advised against retraction, and President Muizzu supported council autonomy. MP Ahmed Easa submitted a motion to the committee. Committee Chair Ali Niyaz stated that no law defines councils as a layer of government, citing a Supreme Court judgement. Hearings will proceed with LGA, council, and MP Easa.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 3 months ago | neutral

LGA Decides Not To Take Action Against Kendhikulhudhoo Council After AG, President Advocate Non-Interference

LGA will not take action against Kendhikulhudhoo Council for refusing to withdraw statement criticizing President Muizzu's visit. Council cited lack of legal basis. AG Ahmed Usham said LGA had no authority. President Muizzu stressed non-interference with councils. Visit criticized as party-political campaigning; minister denied.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 3 months ago | optimistic

Air Ambulance Service Launched; Will Fly Direct to India, Sri Lanka

The government inaugurated a new air ambulance service, fulfilling a pledge by President Mohamed Muizzu. The service uses a Dash-8 aircraft and a seaplane for emergency medical evacuations. The seaplane operates during the day and can access any island. Minister of Health Abdulla Khaleel announced that air ambulance flights will go to India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand; flights to India and Sri Lanka are direct, while Thailand may require a stopover. Sri Lanka has granted special permission for flights within two hours of request. The service will be complemented by land and sea craft. Fifteen specialist staff (five nurses, five doctors, five technicians) have been recruited. The aircraft can carry two patients, with space for more stretchers; the sea ambulance carries one. Costs are borne by Island Aviation Services Ltd, with operations funded from the state budget.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | concerned

Sri Lankan Expat Drowns in Maafaru

A 35-year-old Sri Lankan expatriate working as a crew member on a landing craft drowned while attempting to disentangle a mooring rope in the harbour of Maafaru Island, Noonu Atoll, on Saturday morning. He was pulled out unresponsive and declared dead on arrival at Maafaru healthcare centre. The Maldives Police Service is arranging to transfer the body to Malé. The name of the deceased has not been disclosed.