First Session of South Asian Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF – 1) Pune, India, April 2010 Impact of Extreme Climate Events on Maldives Abdul Muhsin Ramiz Maldives Meteorological Service

General Introduction Maldives geographical location : between 72 o 32'30"E 73 o 45'54"E and 7 o 06'30"N to 0 o 41'48"S Total Area about 90,000 square km of which about 99% is water. Total No. of Islands : 1190 Inhabited Islands : 200 Population : 300,000 The climate of Maldives is warm year round Determined by the monsoons ( Southwest and Northeast monsoon ) The temperature varies little with an annual average daily maximum of C and minimum at C. 2

Average elevation of the islands are about 1 meters above mean sea level. Size of the islands (average size is 50 – 250 ha, largest being ``about 500ha) Flat topography 93% of the inhabited islands face perennial beach erosion Wide dispersal of population across tiny islands Extremely high economic dependence on tourism Vulnerability to extreme climate events

Impact of climate change on vulnerable islands of the Maldives. Over the last 6 years more than 90 islands (45% of all islands) have been flooded at least once and 37 islands have been inundated regularly or at least once a year (Shaig, 2006). During the severe weather event of May 2004 alone, at least 71 islands (36% of all inhabited islands) were flooded. Ocean induced severe weather events are usually the result of localised storms in the Maldives region (RMSI, 2005), but the flooding events of 1987 proved that swells generated from distant storms also has the potential to cause flooding in Maldives (Goda, 1988; Harangozo, 1992). Storm hit Maldives in 1991 causing widespread damages to many islands mostly in the southern Maldives.

Impact of climate change on vulnerable islands of the Maldives. Cont. On 10 th April 1987 one third of Male ’ was affected by severe flooding.

Heavy rain & flooding Year / monthAffected area 1991 (30 May – 12 June)Southern-most atoll & other islands 1996Central atolls including Male’ 2002Central atoll (Dhaal Kanduhulhudoo) 1993 SeptemberMale’ 2005 JulySouthern atolls (GDh.Vaadhoo) 2005 OctoberMale’ & southern-most atolls 2006 SeptemberCentral atolls including Male’

Heavy rain & flooding

Swell / Tidal waves Year / monthsAffected area 1987 AprilMale’ & Hulhule 1987 (June & September) Many Islands 1991Hulhule 2003Many islands including Hulhule 2005Many islands icluding Male’ 2007Most of the islands 2008 AugustMany islands including Male’ & Hulhule MALDIVES

Swell waves

Island / stationHeaviest rainfall within 24 hours (mm) Maximum Temperate (°C) Minimum Temperature (°C) Maximum Wind (mph) Hanimaadhoo (26/5/2008) 34.4 (27/4/1998) 18.2 (23/12/2002) /8/1991 Male’ /12/ /4/ /4/ /11/1978 Kadhdhoo /10/ /5/ /8/1995, 18/2/ /8/1992 Kaadedhdhoo /7/ /5/ /12/ /7/1998, 18/7/2003 Gan /6/ /4/ /1/ /5/1991

Sustainable measures taken up by the Maldives for mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Efficient drainage and conveyance systems in some selected islands Sea walls to prevent tidal waves Resilient island development program Country's plans to be the first in the world to go carbon neutral. Hoping to meet all its energy requirements through renewable sources, such as solar and wind power, within a decade

Beach erosion and coral reef bleaching has direct impact on tourism, which income generator for the Maldives. Considerable costs are being incurred on resort islands due to continued coastal erosion. Beach replenishment may be a temporary remedy for the beach loss, but would still be a major financial burden in the face of increase in erosion intensity. Reduction in ground water quality due to potential saltwater intrusion may destroy the small agricultural industry and increase food insecurity. Drinking water shortage in the islands due to increasing dry spells in NE monsoon Socio-economic impacts

Coastal infrastructure, which is the most essential requirement for an island’s social and economic development, are at risk due to increasing sea level rise and extreme climate events Increase in sea level and intensity of extreme climate events are expected to expose more population and property to severe weather events especially with the increased congestion and encroachment of beach areas in settlements. Constraints

Capacity building in the field of NWP Enhancing Climate monitoring network Reduction of risk associate with the extreme climate events Challenges

MALDIVES Thank You 19