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With golden sandy beaches and warm climate, it comes as no surprise that many flee the bad weather of the UK for a slice of paradise.
Yet in the next few years, this could no longer be an option as a new study has found.
New research by US Geological Survey (USGS) and the University of Hawaii has found that rising sea levels are already affecting the low-lying islands.
It isn’t just the infrastructure that could be affected but the water supply.
The increase in salt water on the islands means the fresh water will become contaminated.
This is because the rainwater that soaks into the ground leaves a layer of fresh water on top of the salt water, which is denser.
Yet rising sea levels will mean waves wash over the islands and over this water, making it undrinkable.
Report researcher Dr Curt Storlazzi explained how this will affect the islands.
He wrote: “The tipping point when potable groundwater on the majority of atoll islands will be unavailable is projected to be reached no later than the middle of the 21st century.”
Co-author Dr Stephen Gingerich reiterated: “The overwash events generally result in salty ocean water seeping into the ground and contaminating the freshwater aquifer.
“Rainfall later in the year is not enough to flush out the saltwater and refresh the island’s water supply before the next year’s storms arrive repeating the overwash events.”
It also means many of the locals will be forced to flee as it will no longer be a viable place to live.
This is expected to begin from 2030, with the 1,100 islands in the Pacific and the Indian Ocean including Seychelles, chosen by Prince William and Kate Middleton for their honeymoon, to be affected.
The Maldives was recently under a state of emergency after anti-government protests hit the capital city of Male.
It was lifted on 22 March which deemed the Maldives safe to travel to again.
This hasn’t affected tourism, with UK travellers increasing by 17.5 per cent last month compared to March 2017.
The total of 11,829 visitors exceeded the previous level of 10,063 British tourists.
With more than 23 new resorts to open on the islands, as well as the first undersea residence expected, it comes as no surprise that many are still enticed to the holiday destinations.
