Thinadhoo (Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll)

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Thinadhoo Thinadhoo
Island Summary
Belongs to Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
Location
Area 58.10 Hec
Population 6376 (Census 2006)
Length 1125 m
Width 750 m
Distance from Malé 409.20 km
Administrative Information
Island Chief Ali Shareef


For other islands see Thinadhoo

Thinadhoo (Dhivehi: ތިނަދޫ) is the capital of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll with its own dialect which is considerably different from northern speech. Kaadedhdhoo Domestic Airport is situated nearby the island.

Contents

[edit] Depopulation 1962

This island was formerly known as Havaru Thinadhoo and it was the traditional seat of the Huvadhu Atoll Chief. 'Havaru' meaning 'Military' as the island was occupied by millitants for control of the Huvadhoo region.

In 1962 Havaru Thinadhoo was completely destroyed on the orders of Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir to end the separatist movement of the United Suvadive Republic. The islanders were told to go to the shallow reef, where they were standing for hours with water up to their necks. Meanwhile all houses were destroyed, all wells broken and filled with rubble, all trees were cut and much property was looted while the islanders watched. The island was then depopulated and its people dispersed. Some secessionist leaders, most of them notables, were arrested, tortured and imprisoned. Most didn't survive.

The population of Thinadhoo was forced to flee to nearby islands where they were maltreated. One story of the settlers in Vadhoo had to trade gold for a handful of rice. In almost all the islands where they dispered the numbers were declining with the dead.

Havaru Thinadhoo was resettled on the 22nd August 1966 by 2500 people. 440 households were rebuilt. The name of this island was changed from Havaru Thinadhoo to Thinadhoo on 27th June 1979.

[edit] Enamaa Boat Incident 2004

The Maldive boat Enamaa was carrying far more than its capacity of up to 126 when a wave overturned it. Twenty one people died with two missing when Enamaa boat capsized into the sea of Gaafu Dhaalu atoll on March 17th, 2004.[1]

The Enamaa boat was traveling at nine and a half nautical miles per hour to Thinadhoo Island after watching the home team play a football match in Vilingili Island in Gaafu Alifu atoll.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Who is to take responsibility for the horrific Enamaa boat disaster? Accessed June 4, 2008.
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