Disaster Management Centre warns over sea swells

Disaster Management Centre has issued a warning over sea swells being experienced in Malé.

Flooding caused by high waves was experienced in the north-eastern part of Malé last night (Wednesday, 12 August 2015). Worst affected areas include the carnival grounds and Hulhumalé Ferry Terminal, where the water that gushed in caused damage to vehicles and other property.

Disaster Management Centre said that presently, tide level is generally higher than what is normally seen, and flooding may be experienced during high tide today and tonight.

People have been advised to use sandbags to prevent water from entering buildings, and to move electronics and other valuable items to safe areas.

Flooding is most likely during high tide, and highest tide will occur at 12:49 p.m. today and 12:43 a.m. tomorrow for Malé, and at 1:26 p.m. today and 1:24 a.m. tomorrow for Addu City.

Earlier, a weather forecaster at Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) told Sun Online that the exact reason behind the ongoing surge in the waves is unknown, but some level of flooding is experienced in different regions in the country around this time every year.