Earthquake, Tsunami Kills Thousands in South Asia on 26th December 2004

27 December 2004 Most of the Maldivian tourist resorts have been fortunate to be spared the brunt of the Tsunami as a result of the earthquake off the west coast of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia on December 26, 2004.

The exclusive popular island resorts of the Maldives are open for business as usual, except for about 6 resorts that have registered considerable damage. Tourists who were on the affected resorts have been evacuated and they are now safe and secure. Many of them have now been flown to their home countries.

The Male’ International Airport is operational except for landings at night. Charter flights are resuming their regular schedules to the Maldives. The seaplane transfer service from the Airport to the resorts is expected to be on track in the next 2 to 3 days. Whilst, boat transfers schedules are back to normal.

The Ministry of Tourism of the Maldives has worked closely with the resorts, tour operators, travel agents and the airlines to keep the tourism industry running smoothly.

Maldives resorts update

Monday Dec 27 1445 GMT 2004

Male’ International Airport is now operational.

Three tourists have been reported dead from two different resorts, all are from the United Kingdom.

There are over 17,000 tourists in the Maldives.

All the resort islands in the Maldives have been contacted by the Ministry of Tourism and there are no reports of further major tourist casualties. However many resorts have reported damages to their infrastructure.

The tourists in some of the worst effected resorts are being shifted to other resorts and the capital Male’.

Most of the resort islands are in operation.

Coast Guard: 191
Phone: +960 325981
Fax: +960 310054
Email: maldivescoastguard@defence.gov.mv

Ministry of Tourism
Phone: +960 323224
Fax: +960 322512
Email: info@maldivestourism.gov.mv

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