Swell waves caused flooding and damage in several parts of Male' today, with seawater flooding roads, public areas and beachfront cafe's.
Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) said in a social media post that officers were working to drain floodwater caused by the swell waves. No further details were provided.
The Industrial Village area was among the worst affected, with waves carrying rocks and sand onto the shore. The Raalhugandu area, which is frequently affected during periods of high swell, also experienced significant flooding. Several motorcycles parked in the area were knocked into seawater by the waves.
The Carnival area was also hit by heavy swell waves, affecting parked motorcycles and cars. Seawater entered cafe's along the beachfront, causing a state of disarray.
Parts of Boduthakurufaanu Magu, which was recently widened following land reclamation, were also impacted. Rocks and sand were washed onto the roadway as waves crashed over the seawall.
The swell waves struck Male' around midday, when sea levels were at their highest. According to tide data, the day's highest tide of 0.74 metres was recorded at 11:53am. Forecast models indicate tomorrow's highest tide will reach 0.79 metres at 12:28pm.
Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) has forecast swell waves of between two and four feet in the region. Average northwesterly winds of 5-15mph were recorded today, with gusts expected to reach up to 35mph.
Although conditions in Male' were cloudy, the swell waves occurred without unusually severe weather.
