Yellow alert for northern and central Maldives; seas expected to be very rough

Maldives Meteorological Service has extended a yellow alert over northern and central regions of the country, warning of very rough seas.

The weather agency had initially issued a yellow alert for the area from HA. Atoll to ADh. Atoll from 06:00 am to 10:00 am on Wednesday, warning of strong winds and very rough seas.

It later extended the yellow alert for the same area from 10:00 am to 02:00 pm.

The agency forecasts strong winds of 25-30 miles per hour and gusts of 50 miles per hour with very rough seas.

It urged seafarers to be cautious and take all necessary precautions.

Maldives experienced torrential rain over a large part of the country on Tuesday, resulting in flooding. In the Maldivian capital, Male’, nonstop rain resulted in severe flooding, damaging homes and disrupting transport.

Islands in HA. Atoll also experienced severe flooding, with families living in flood-affected homes moved to safer areas.

Maldives Meteorological Service says that widespread rain with thunderstorms is expected to prevail over the country this week.

Following the severe flooding the previous day, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has declared Wednesday a public holiday. He has also appointed a special taskforce headed by he himself to monitor the situation and facilitate emergency response.