Police urge against picnics to uninhabited islands and swimming

Maldives Police Service, on Wednesday, has advised the public against traveling to uninhabited islands and sandbanks for picnics as severe monsoon rains persist across the nation.

As all parts of Maldives experience rain, Maldives Metrological Service (Met Office), on Wednesday, issued an orange alert from Lhaviyani Atoll to Vaavu Atoll from 12:00pm to 16:30pm, warning of heavy rains, strong winds of 34 to 40 miles per hour with gusts of 60 miles per hour and extremely rough seas.

A yellow alert has been issued from Haa Alifu Atoll to Lhaviyani Atoll for the same period, warning of heavy rain, strong winds of 25 to 30 miles per house with gusts of 55 miles and very rough seas.

Police, in a post on X, advised against undertaking travel other than trips absolutely necessary in light of the weather conditions. However, if circumstances warrant travel, Police have urged to exercise safety precautions and avoid traveling on small vessels.

They also advised against traveling to uninhabited islands and sandbanks for picnics and going swimming.

Maldives usually sees rain during June and July, at the commencement of the wet season, locally known as Hulhangu monsoon.