The island was greatly affected by the 2004 tsunami , although coral reefs took some of the impact . The island 's chief , Mr. Sigee , described the water as reaching his chin . Two weeks after the disaster , the island 's population was found to have lost at least sixteen people , and the island 's mango and banana trees had been poisoned by the saltwater . Some homes and a century-old mosque had also been destroyed . Most of the other houses were unsuitable for habitation , leaving only a handful of functional homes . By mid-January 2005 , 8 % of the 13,000-strong displaced Maldivian population was housed in temporary shelters on Kolhufushi . The construction of 55 replacement houses was started in October 2008 , and a further 168 houses were started in 2010
2004 tsunami
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
Kolhufushi (Meemu Atoll)