Continuous heavy rain has caused flooding across the entire city of Malé.
While heavy rainfall was forecasted across various parts of the Maldives within the next 24 hours as heavy rain clouds developing from the west of the Maldives move over the atolls, rainfall that began in Malé around sundown has continued non-stop, leaving many areas flooded.
As water has also entered some houses and shops, the MNDF is working to drain the water. Authorities are active in placing sandbags to prevent water from entering houses and shops in flooded areas.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority, a special operation has now been launched in collaboration with the military, police, Malé City Council, MTCC, HDC, and Red Crescent.
The National Meteorological Centre said this afternoon that weather across the Maldives will deteriorate over the next two to three days, with seas becoming rough. As weather conditions continue to worsen, the Met Office tonight appealed for safety measures to be taken.
The Met Office stated that the southwest monsoon is strengthening over the Maldives region, and a low-pressure trough/depression has formed in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
Due to this, the Met Office said it is forecasted that weather will be rainy with heavy rainfall in some islands across various parts of the Maldives within the next 24 hours. Additionally, winds are expected to strengthen and seas to become rough over the northern and central atolls during the next three days.
Following this forecast by the Met Office, the MNDF issued an advisory and instructions urging sea travelers to remain cautious. MNDF requested that travelers do not embark on journeys without first informing the required parties.
Furthermore, in addition to checking whether items such as lifejackets, communication systems, and dewatering pumps on traveling vessels are in proper working order, cargo vessels were urged not to overload beyond appropriate limits.
In addition, organizers of diving and water sports activities were urged to pay special attention to the weather and to refrain from traveling while Yellow or Orange alerts are issued by the National Meteorological Centre.
The National Disaster Management Authority stated that it urges taking proactive measures early to protect against damages that may occur due to bad weather. The authority also provided several instructions to minimize potential damage to households and property:
- Remain vigilant for potential flooding due to heavy rain, and place sandbags to prevent water from entering homes
- Move food items and household appliances (such as washing machines, refrigerators) in areas vulnerable to flooding and damage to elevated places clear of water
- Secure house roofs early using ropes or similar materials if it is anticipated that strong winds might blow them off
- Secure items that could be blown away by strong winds
- Keep electrical appliances turned off when not in use
- Ensure sea travelers obtain the latest weather updates from relevant authorities prior to starting journeys, and verify that safety equipment and communication systems are fully functional when setting out
- Arrange essential provisions and staple foods in advance to prevent shortages.
Of the two seasons in the Maldives, the northeast monsoon generally lasts from January through March. The southwest monsoon lasts from May through November. April and December are transition periods between monsoons.
