Maldives: Bottled water shortage reported in Malé

Event

The Maldives capital Malé is facing a drinking water shortage due to the fact that production companies have halted deliveries to shops and businesses. Local media outlets have reported that supplies have run low for several brands. Some shops have started rationing water and locally produced bottled mineral water is reportedly being sold at inflated prices. 

Context

With desalinated tap water unsafe to drink without boiling, most of Malé's 150,000 residents rely on bottled water. Higher demand during the dry northeastern monsoon season in March and April - when temperatures tend to peak, regularly reaching 34°C (93°F) during the day - contributes to recurrent supply shortages.. Shortages that lasted from early March to late May 2017.

Advice

As a reminder, due to the current and sensitive political domestic context, protests and demonstrations often take place in Malé, with some leading to violence and arrests. Individuals present in this archipelagic country are advised to comply with local security requirements and to avoid protests and rallies.