Maldives Meteorological Service (MET), on Saturday, issued a white alert for the Southern Atolls due to extreme South-Western monsoon weather conditions currently affecting the country.
The MET Office predicted strong winds reaching speeds of 23 - 27 miles per hour from Gaafu Alifu Atoll to Addu Atoll between 1200 and 1700 hrs.
Prior to the white alert for the Southern Atolls, MET declared an orange alert from Baa Atoll to Faafu Atoll, predicting rough seas and average winds of 34 - 40 miles per hour on Friday.
The warning marks the first instance that the MET Office issued an orange alert in Maldives.
Speaking to local media outlet Mihaaru, Director General of the MET Office Ali Shareef revealed that the orange alert was introduced in 2019 due to the considerable variations between the red and yellow alert levels.
According to the Addu City Council, a total of 646 residences in Addu were damaged due to heavy rainfall and flooding experienced on Thursday.
Property damage also occured in the capital city of Male' as strong winds knocked over trees and caused rough seas. Notably, a ship transporting agricultural produce from Kulhudhuffushi, Haa Dhaalu Atoll ran aground on the capital's western shore and suffered extensive damages.
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