Until recently in the Maldives, disaster assessments relied on manual, paper-based processes and fragmented reporting systems. Data was collected across agencies using disconnected forms and spreadsheets, often leading to delays, inconsistencies, and limited information sharing. This made it difficult for decision-makers to access reliable, real-time insights slowing response efforts and increasing the risk of misallocated resources.
The launch of the Damage Assessment and Loss Analysis (DALA) Portal has now change that.
A new digital platform better data tracking
Developed by the National Disaster Managmeent Authority (NDMA), in partnership with the support of UNDP Maldives , the DALA Portal transforms disaster management by shifting from a manual, reactive approach to a fully digital, real-time platform.
By centralizing data into a single, secure, end-to-end system, the platform enables real-time collection, analysis, and sharing of disaster information across institutions. Authorized users from island councils to national agencies can now report disaster events through structured online forms, while damage and loss calculations are generated automatically. Each report is tracked in real time, with clear status updates and SMS notifications issued at key stages of the assessment process. This allows authorities to move more quickly from response to recovery, ensuring that support reaches affected communities faster and more efficiently.
A new way to access and use data
A key transformation lies in how decision-makers access and use data.
Through integrated dashboards and data visualization tools, the DALA Portal provides real-time insights into disaster impacts such as the number of incidents, geographic distribution, types of hazards, and status of response efforts. Decision-makers at both national and local levels can quickly identify priority areas, allocate resources more effectively, and coordinate response with greater precision.
A core feature of the system is its ability to capture disaggregated data by hazard type, sector, location, population group, and asset category. This allows for a more detailed understanding of disaster impacts, supporting targeted response measures, improved planning, and more equitable recovery outcomes. Once verified, disaster data and loss estimates are displayed through live dashboards, making key statistics available in near real time to decision-makers and the public.
"DALA is not just a digital system. It's a platform that reflects the Government's commitment to Digital Maldives 2.0 — using technology to strengthen institutions and protect people. DALA transforms disaster data into a national asset that supports governance, accountability, and resilience." said Hisan Hassan, Chief Executive of NDMA.
What it means for different users
Beyond immediate response, the system transforms how disaster data is used unlocking new possibilities for analysis, planning, and long-term resilience building.
The DALA Portal aligns with NDMA's Strategic Action Plan, supports President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's Digital Maldives 2.0 vision, and contributes to the goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction as well as the Early Warnings for All initiative.
Built through partnership
The system is a key milestone under the Resilient and Climate-Risk Informed Development in Small Island Developing States (RIDS in SIDS) project, supported through UNDP's Funding Windows with contributions from the Governments of Denmark, Luxembourg, and the Republic of Korea. As climate risks intensify from coastal flooding to extreme weather the ability to collect, analyze, and act on data quickly is becoming increasingly important.
"Digital tools like the DALA Portal are critical to ensuring that recovery efforts are not only faster, but also more inclusive and evidence-based. By strengthening national systems and capacities, we are supporting the Maldives to better anticipate risks, respond effectively, and build long-term resilience." said Adnan Cheema, UNDP Resident Representative in the Maldives. "
More than a technological upgrade, the DALA Portal represents a fundamental shift in how the Maldives prepares for and responds to disasters. By institutionalizing a digital, data-driven approach, the country is strengthening governance, improving coordination, and ensuring that decision-makers have the vital information needed to act swiftly and effectively — protecting lives, safeguarding development gains, and building resilience for the future.
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