Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) has urged the public to take precautionary measures as heavy rain is expected across much of the country until Wednesday.

In a social media post today, MET said most parts of the country are expected to experience rain during the period, with some islands likely to see heavy downpours and thunderstorms.

Satellite images shared alongside the advisory show extensive cloud cover over the Maldives.

The warning follows heavy rainfall in southern parts of the country yesterday and last night, which caused flooding on several islands.

Gaafu Alifu Kolamaafushi was among the affected islands, with flooding reported last night, damaging several houses and institutions. The rainfall also caused power outages on the island.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said a tornado that struck Shaviyani Atoll Lhaimagu damaged the roofs of four houses and several warehouses.

“A man was struck by a falling sheet of tin and is being treated for a head injury. The council is working to assess the damage caused by the tornado,” NDMA said.

A MET official said yesterday that winds and seas were expected to remain relatively calm, although strong gusts were possible. Conditions are forecast to become rougher from Tuesday.

Today marks the 16th day of the Hulhangu monsoon and the seventh day of Vihaa Nakaiy. Weather is generally expected to remain favourable during this period.

The Iruvai monsoon typically lasts from January to March, while the Hulhangu monsoon runs from May to November. April and December are transitional months between the two monsoon seasons.