A yellow alert has been issued for most of the Maldives.

The alert was issued from 7.30pm to 10.30pm on Saturday for areas of Noonu and Vaavu Atolls.

Met Department also said that torrential rain and average wind speed of 30-40 mph were expected to these areas.

An official at the Department said that conditions will be the worst for the central atolls and the seas were extremely rough. The official also appealed not to travel.

Several naval accidents had occurred on Sunday evening.

Azim said that the Coast guard had provided assistance to a launch, which had departed from Summer Island with 27 passengers on board. He said the incident had occurred near Thulusdhoo island in Kaafu Atoll and that they were working with MNDF Coastguard to bring the passengers to Velana International Airport.

Given the yellow alert issued, the authorities have appealed to exercise caution and not to travel.