With Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) forecasting adverse weather conditions across the country over the next five days, the National Disaster Management Authority has urged the public to take precautionary measures.
A low-level circulation has developed over southeast of Maldives, due to which average winds have strengthened over the area, the MET Office announced.
Additionally, a low-pressure trough also persists over northeast of Maldives.
Due to these factors, squally showers are forecast for the next five days, predominantly in southern and central atolls.
The MET Office has issues a White Alert until 5pm today from HA atoll to Lh atoll. Heavy rainshowers and thunderstorms are expected, with gusts of 40mph.
NDMA has urged the public to take precautionary measures:
- Stack sandbags at entrances to prevent flood water from entering premises
- Take preventive measures if roofs are at risk of being blown away in strong winds
- Secure any items at risk of being blown away in strong winds
- Switch off electrical appliances not immediately in use
- Seafarers to ensure they are updated with weather conditions and that communication devices and safety equipment are in working condition
- Prepare ahead to ensure sufficient stocks of staples and other essential items are in hand
Maldives generally sees rainy conditions as the Northeast monsoon crosses into the Southwest monsoon.
The Southwest monsoon begins in the first or second week of May in the southern atolls. It then moves into central atolls and across the entire country before the end of May.
Last year, Southwest monsoon commenced across the country on May 26.
