MET issues nation-wide alert for swell surges

Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) has issued a nation-wide white alert for swell surges.

According to MET, the weather is expected to be worse than Wednesday, with unusually rough seas the next 24 hours.

The nation-wide white alert is effective from 11:30 am to 05:30 pm on Thursday.

MET forecasts Maldives will be affected by heavy rain, strong winds of 19-24 miles per hour with gusts of 45 miles per hour, along with rough seas and swell surges.

Meanwhile, a yellow alert for torrential rain, thunderstorms and gusts of 50 miles per hour has been issued for the area from Sh. Atoll to Dh. Atoll.

The yellow alert is effective from 09:15 am to 01:00 pm Thursday.

All, especially seafarers have been advised to be cautious.

Both the police and Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) have advised seafarers to ensure communication devises and safety equipment on vessels are in working order.

MNDF advises against travel without life jackets.