The police have advised the public to avoid crossing the Sinamalé Bridge on Saturday due to unusually high surge waves affecting the bridge area on Saturday.
During the southwest monsoon, certain areas of Malé, particularly the Henveiru ward and sections of Majeedhee Road, are prone to flooding. Today's surge waves have exacerbated the situation, leading to flooding not only in the Sinamalé Bridge area but also extending to the Majeedhee Road vicinity.
Some of the videos circulating online shows the vehicles travelling on these roads being swept by waves, resulting in significant damages.
Due to the powerful force of the waves and the considerable damage being inflicted upon vehicles parked in the industrial area of Malé, the police have urged the public to refrain from making any unnecessary journeys across the bridge today.
Authorities advise residents of Malé and Hulhumalé to opt for four-wheeled vehicles when crossing the bridge, if they must. Motorcycles are the preferred vehicle amongst Maldivians.
As the city experienced high waves, wave heights were observed reaching 0.94 meters this afternoon.
Swell Wave Surges expected pic.twitter.com/hgRzwaDmKq
— Maldives Meteorology (@MetMaldives) August 5, 2023
The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) has issued a white alert from Kaafu Atoll to Addu City, cautioning about the potential for surge waves.
In addition to Malé, several islands in the central atolls also experienced surge waves today.