Schools and government offices closed tomorrow

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has declared tomorrow a public holiday.

Due to the heavy rains and flooding across the country, schools and government offices will be closed tomorrow.

A statement from the President's Office said that President Muizzu has declared tomorrow a holiday to provide ease for students and office workers as the heavy rains and flooding across the country has impeded transport for pedestrians and drivers.

They said that the President assures that the government will work around the clock to provide assistance and minimize damage from these adverse weather conditions to residences and families.

Maldives is experiencing heavy rains, thunderstorms, rough seas and strong winds across the country as the south west monsoon (Hulhan'gu) intensifies.

The worst effects of the weather are currently felt in the northern atolls, with the MET Office having issued a four hour Orange Alert for the region yesterday. Many islands in these atolls are flooded and are having incessant rain showers since yesterday.

MET Office has forecast similar stormy conditions for the next five days as well.

Wind speeds are expected to be between 17 to 27 miles per hour in northern and central atolls, with the southern atolls expected to see wind speed between 13 to 23 miles per hour. Wind gusts of 60 miles per hour were also warned.

Swell waves may also surge at high tide, with seas expected to be very rough across the country.