Deep depression turns into cyclone

The deep depression off the coast of neighboring Sri Lanka has turned into a tropical cyclone, reports Maldives Meteorological Service.

Speaking in an interview to Public Service Media this Thursday afternoon, Director at Maldives Meteorological Service said the cyclone was gathering in strength but was travelling away from Maldives towards northern India.

The director said the cyclone was travelling towards the Arabian Peninsula, but that the clouds were expected to move over Maldives as it gathered strength.

Maldives Meteorological Service forecasts widespread rain throughout the country, with heavy rain and thunderstorms in the northern atolls. Yellow alert has been issued to the area and authorities have warned against sea travel unless absolutely necessary.

At least four confirmed death have been reported in neighboring Sri Lanka due to the bad weather. The government of Sri Lanka has announced it will compensate victims of the destruction caused by the storms.