hajam.ai
16 September 2026

Environment

Incidents of heavy rain and flooding have occurred in R. Innamadhoo and Inguraidhoo. On September 16, 2026, after the straps snapped and the supply vessel "Sealine 3"—carrying timber and 4 crew members while traveling from Malé to a resort in R. Atoll—began taking on water in the Kaashidhoo Channel, police officers arriving on a launch from the B. Eydhafushi Police Station rescued the vessel by pumping out water and unloading cargo. A depression has formed in the Andaman Sea, and the weather is forecasted to deteriorate further in the coming days.

On Wednesday, 16 September 2026, heavy rainfall in R. Innamaadhoo and Inguraidhoo caused extensive flooding on the streets and across various areas of both islands. Due to persistent heavy rains during the storm, which caused water to accumulate on the streets and posed a threat of flooding into some homes, councils and relevant authorities worked to pump out the water. Although the severe weather and heavy downpours disrupted the daily travel and lives of residents on both islands, prompt measures were taken to ensure the safety of the people amid the flooding.

A supply boat named "Sealine 3," carrying timber from Malé to a resort in B. Atoll, was traveling in the Kaashidhoo Channel when the straps securing the timber snapped, causing the vessel to tilt and take in water, prompting assistance from the police and relevant authorities. Although four people—including three Maldivians and one foreigner—were on board at the time of the incident, no one was injured. Following the report of the incident, a speedboat from the B. Eydhafushi Police Station traveled to the area to pump out the water, and the boat has now been towed to Eydhafushi. MNDF has advised vessels navigating the area to exercise special caution as planks of wood that fell overboard during the incident are drifting eastward.

Meteorological authorities have forecast that the weather will worsen in the coming hours due to a depression formed in the Andaman Sea. As the depression is expected to cause rough seas, rain in some areas, and strong winds, sea travelers have been urged to pay special attention to the weather. Furthermore, everyone has been advised to take precautionary measures in anticipation of bad weather and to stay alert to the latest weather updates issued by relevant authorities.

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Also in this edition

Politics

At the PNC congress, elections were held for vice presidents, senior positions, and the senate, with members elected to these posts. Speaking at the congress, PNC Chairperson and Speaker of the People's Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla said that stability and development can only be brought to the nation if a leader remains in power for at least ten years, and that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu must be secured a second term in the 2028 presidential election. Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom criticized the practice of placing a hand over the chest while singing the national anthem. Calls for a criminal investigation against the President of the Elections Commission and allegations of First Lady Sajidha Mohamed's political influence have surfaced. Discussions to amend the law to prevent pardons for drug traffickers and details of police operations conducted to halt scams were disclosed on this day. While police have begun investigating a case involving a crocodile and a gold handgun found in an apartment in Malé, a court sentenced a youth to 17 years in prison in a drug-related case. President Dr. Muizzu highlighted the importance of state leaders being accountable to the public and noted that youth are distancing themselves from the political arena. Rumors regarding the resignation of Health Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, as well as questions directed at the government in connection with the residence Dhimyaath, were also addressed on this day.

Economy

European tour operators such as ABTA have warned that they will stop selling Maldives packages following the decision to levy a 17% TGST on foreign booking agencies starting October 1 and the requirement compelling resorts to exchange 40% of their foreign currency income into Maldivian Rufiyaa. While the government has decided to pay off in full and clear the USD 50 million T-bill taken through the State Bank of India (SBI) from the Sovereign Development Fund without rolling it over, the World Bank has given assurance that it will continue providing assistance for economic reform efforts. Customs has fined two foreign oil tankers, "KG 1" and "AL 1", MVR 310,000 each, after they illegally entered Maldivian territory, collided with a pillar of the Sinamalé Bridge, and sank. Additionally, the national airline, Maldivian, has decided to conduct walk-in interviews to recruit cabin crew.

Health

A Reuters investigation reported on September 16, 2026, revealed that more than 20 skin whitening creams containing the toxic substance mercury, which is banned from sale on the global market, are being sold on online platforms such as TikTok Shop, Temu, and Amazon. Furthermore, the government has announced that it has initiated numerous hospital projects across different parts of the Maldives.