Orange alert issued to central Maldives warning of heavy rain, flooding

Maldives Metrological Service (Met Office) has issued an orange alert for central Maldivian atolls warning of torrential rain and thunderstorms with possible flooding.

The weather forecasting body has issued an orange alert from Baa Atoll to Thaa Atoll which will be in effect from 15:00pm to 19:00pm on Friday. The region can experience torrential rain and thunderstorms with possible flooding during this period, added Met Office.

Orange Warning in effect till 1900LT. pic.twitter.com/UvSMVqEwKo

— Maldives Meteorology (@MetMaldives) January 3, 2025

Earlier today, the weather forecasting body had issued a yellow alert for central Maldivian atolls warning of torrential rain and thunderstorms with gust of winds of 45 miles per hour. The alert was in effect until 15:00pm.

A while alert was also issued to central and northern Maldivian atolls warning of strong winds of 19 to 24 miles per hour with rough seas. The alert will be in effect until 16:30pm.

The severe conditions have been attributed to the transition between two monsoons. While the beginning of the northeast monsoon was declared on Thursday, the northeast monsoon had commenced later than usual this year.

The bad weather comes as scores of people travel both domestically and internationally for the New Year’s holiday.

As such, authorities have urged everyone, especially seafarers, to exercise caution and pay attention to the latest weather updates and alerts.

Notably, six islands recorded damage following flooding caused by heavy rains and wave surges last night. They include Sh. Narudhoo and Inguraidhoo which saw flooding due to wave surges and Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, Dh. Meedhoo, F. Nilandhoo and F. Magoodhoo which saw flooding due to heavy rain.