A large amount of expired chlorine has been dumped on Addu city's Kinbivau Beach area killing dozens of marine species.
Addu Nature Park's Ranger Abdul Hadi told Adhadhu that the expired chlorine was dumped on the beach near Hithadhoo Regional Hospital.
"It's a big loss. It takes many years for a small part of the reef to come to life. The area is completely dead. Dead fish washes up like that because there is a big impact," he said.
Hadi added that a large area of the reef had been bleached.
"When we look at the fish in the area, very small and very big fish have also died. Squids, octopuses and lobsters also. That area is no longer safe," he said.
He stated that damage can be fully assessed only after the impact of the chlorine is gone.
Around 15 chlorine buckets, each weighing 25 kg were found disposed at the Kinbivau Beach area. They are beleived to be used for industrial purposes.
Authorities do no know who dumped the chlorine on the beach. Addu Nature Park has formally lodged a case with the police.
