26 December 2004
By Maldiveisle.com

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.

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.

Capital Male' flooded, Maldives

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 weather around 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.