Authorities warn over bad weather

Disaster Management Centre has advised caution following bad weather in the Maldives.

According to Maldives Meteorological Service’s the weather forecast for the next 24 hours, scattered rain and thundershowers will be experienced across the country, and occasional heavy showers expected to occur over the area between Noonu and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls.

Surface winds are expected to vary between north-west and northerly at 7 to 15 miles per hour in southern atolls north-east and easterly at 5 to 15 miles per hour elsewhere. Winds may gust 35 miles per hour during showers.

Disaster Management Centre has advised the public to prepare for heavy rain and flooding. Recommended actions include moving household equipment to safe areas, placing sandbags to prevent water from entering houses, staying indoors during lightning and thunder, and paying attention to weather information issued by relevant authorities.

Bad weather including heavy rain was experienced across the country on Thursday. Lightning struck Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA) causing a power cut, bringing all operations to a halt.

Meteorological Service issued Yellow Alert on Thursday for the region between Haa Dhaalu Atoll and Laamu Atoll.