Strong winds topple large tree near Gadi Buru, hindering traffic

Heavy rain and strong winds that swept the Maldivian capital toppled a large tree on Saturday morning, resulting in an area of the busy Orchid Magu to be closed off to traffic.

The incident, which took place near the iconic Gadi Buru in the Maafannu district of Male’ City, was reported to the police at around 10:30 am.

The tree fell on top of a Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) truck that was driving along the road, as well as parked motorcycles.

However, it did not result in any injuries.

Part of the road has been closed as Male’ City Council works on clearing the tree.

The incident comes with a white alert in place for a large part of northern and central Maldives, with the weather agency forecasting heavy rain and thunderstorms with gusts of up to 40 miles per hour until at least 04:00 pm.

Alert White for heavy rain and thunderstorms with gust of 40 mph expected. pic.twitter.com/rnLwrfE1Zy

— Maldives Meteorology (@MetMaldives) August 30, 2025

The bad weather comes amid an active Southwest Monsoon, locally known as the Hulhangu Monsoon.