Yellow alert for torrential rain and strong winds in central Maldives

Maldives Meteorological Service has issued a yellow alert for central regions of the country, warning of torrential rain and strong winds.

The yellow alert is in effect for central Maldives from 8:15 am to 01:00 pm on Thursday.

The national weather agency predicts torrential rain and strong winds of 25-30 miles per hour and gusts of 50 miles per hour. Seas are expected to be rough.

There is also a yellow alert for strong winds in effect for northern Maldives for the same period.

The weather agency forecasts strong winds of 25-30 miles per hour and gusts of 50 miles per hour. Seas are expected to be very rough.

In southern Maldives, a white alert is in effect L. Atoll to Addu City for the same period.

The weather agency forecasts heavy rain and thunderstorms, and strong winds of 19-24 miles per hour with gusts of 40 miles per hour. Seas are expected to be rough.

Maldives has been experiencing widespread rain over a large part of the country this week. On Tuesday, 89.4 millimeters of rainfall – which weather experts said was unusually high - resulted severe flooding in the capital, Male’ City, damaging homes and disrupting transport.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) received 256 requests for assistance due to flooding in houses in Male’. 23 individuals from five families were moved out of flood-affected homes, including 13 children.

The northern Maldives also experienced torrential rain, with at least 20 islands reporting flood damage to homes.

Islands in the HA. Atoll were the worst-hit, with at least six families relocated from flood-affected homes in Hoarafushi, and two families each in Baarah, Kelaa and Ihavandhoo.

The weather agency says that widespread rain with thunderstorms is expected to prevail over the country this week.

The NDMA has advised the public to stay vigilant and take precautionary measures to safeguard property and belongings.

It urged the public to:

• Prepare for possible flooding
• Take proactive steps to safeguard homes from potential floodwaters, such as using gunny sacks to block water entry
• Protect Indoor furnishings: Move furniture and valuable items that maybe affected by flooding to higher places or away from potential flood areas within home
• Move furniture and valuable items to higher places or away from potential flood areas within the home to avoid damage from flooding Secure outdoor items: Protect or bring indoors any materials or belongings that could be blown away by strong winds
• Reinforce roofs; If there's a risk of strong winds damaging your roof, secure it with ropes to ensure roofing sheets are not blown away by winds
• Switch off all electrical equipment when not in use to prevent potential hazards
• Limit sea travel: Refrain from undertaking sea travel unless it is essential. Should travel be necessary, ensure that all safety equipment is in optimal condition, continuously monitor weather updates, and equip vessels with fully charged communication devices
• Before setting out on sea travel, obtain the most recent weather updates from the relevant authorities

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