Police urge caution as monsoon rains expected to intensify

Police urged people to take precautions on Saturday, after the national weather agency warned that the monsoon rains affecting the Maldives will intensify next week.

Maldives Meteorological Service has warned that the Southwest Monsoon is expected to become active from Sunday. Widespread rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching 40-45 miles per hour and rough seas during showers are expected to continue for the next five days.

In a post on X on Saturday, the police urged the public to take necessary precautions, including:

• Preparing for possible flooding
• Take measures to prevent flood water from seeping into homes
• Postpone unnecessary travel
• Secure roofs and other things that may get blown away by strong winds
• Protect electronic and electrical appliances
• Take precautions during sea travel
• Move cargo to safe locations

People are also urged to contact the police at 119 in cases of emergencies.

This week, emergency services responded to multiple incidents at sea, caused by bad weather. This includes six incidents on Sunday alone. The weather agency has warned that weather conditions will worsen next week.

The agency has urged everyone to exercise caution, especially seafarers, who were advised to consult updated weather information before planning any voyages.