Met Office: To see wave surges during high tide, but with less impact

Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office), on Sunday, has stated that although wave surges will be observed during high tides in the upcoming days, the impact of it would be lesser.

As Maldives is experiencing severe weather at present – Central and Southern atolls were deeply impacted by wave surges, with some islands reporting irrevocable losses.

Met Office forecasts heavy rain for Central and Northern Maldivian atolls over the next 24 hours – whereas Southern atolls will see improved weather, with possible scattered showers.

Speaking to Sun today, an official from Met Office said that winds at 10 to 20 miles per hour are expected normally in Central and North Maldives, which may gusto 40 miles per hour during showers. Meanwhile, winds at 5 to 10 miles per hour are normally expected at Southern Maldives.

The official said that rough seas are expected within Central and Northern Maldives – and calm seas in Southern Maldives.

Wave surges in Central and Southern Maldives on Friday and Saturday impacted over seven atolls.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that 69 families have been relocated to temporary shelters over flooding in their homes.

Some of the most impacted islands are from Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. In this regard, 98 percent of the houses were damaged at Madaveli; 90 percent of the houses were damaged at Rathafandhoo and 58 percent of houses were damaged at Hoadedhoo.

A total of 30 families were relocated to temporary shelters from the atoll.

Thaa Atoll was also significantly impacted by wave surges. Thirty families were displaced in Thimafarafushi alone. Ninety percent of the houses and Kinbidhoo and 60 percent of the houses in Madifushi were damaged.