In the Maldives, 76 were killed and 32 reported missing after it was hit by a tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake on December 26, 2004. Both figures expected to rise as communication links are restored. Two-thirds of the capital city Malé was flooded during the early hours of the day. Outlying low-level atolls were badly affected and some low lying islands were completely submerged, including some of the major resorts, during the high tide.

The government has declared a state of national disaster ([1] http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/v3/pages/News.php3?NewsID=2702 ) and a special task force has been set up to provide aid and supplies. Rescue efforts have been hampered by loss of communication capability with the over one thousand islands that compose the nation, as well as the lack of a prior rescue or relief plan for a disaster of this nature.

External links

• Maldives Disaster Management Center http://www.tsunamimaldives.mv/
• A collection of photos from Male', Maldives http://vakaruge.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=My_eGallery&file=index&do=showga
  ll&gid=2
• Photos from Malé, Maldives http://www.senses0.org.mv/tsunami_aftermath/
• More photos from Malé http://www.darkmoon.mv/wave/
• Blog with photos and thoughts from Maldives http://shockwavesinmaldives.blogspot.com/
• British Foreign Office advice http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Pag
  e&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386199 for the Maldives.