Orange alert issued for very rough seas, strong winds
Some islands have been experiencing swell waves surges during high tides
Seas are expected to be very rough
An orange alert has been issued for very rough seas and strong winds.
The Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) issued the orange warning at 3pm on Saturday, from Fuvahmulah City to Addu City, two cities in the south of Maldives.
The advisory is effective from 3pm to 7pm.
During the alert period, strong winds of 34 – 40 miles per and gust winds of 60 miles per hour are expected to tear through the southern cities.
Further, “very rough seas” are also likely to prevail across these regions.
The alert ‘orange’ confirms the possibility of an Indian-Ocean-wide Tsunami of high impact to the Maldives.
The alert comes amid several alerts both white and yellow, being issued throughout the country as the island nation continues to experience strong monsoon activities, wreaking havoc in their wake, across the country. MMS has also warned of possible swell waves during high tide times, across a vast region.
A yellow alert was issued from Baa Atoll to Addu City earlier, after predicting heavy rain, strong winds of 28 – 35 miles per hour and gusts of 50 mile per hour, with very rough seas.
A white alert was effective from Haa Alif atoll to Raa atoll as well, due to heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds of 19 – 24 miles per hour with gusts of 40 miles per hour and rough seas across the region.
Adverse weather conditions will continue to prevail nationwide in the next few days, according to the department.
Between 8am Friday to 8am Saturday some islands experienced flooding due to heavy rainfall.
Statistics by the department revealed that Hulhulé island experienced 63.7 millimeters of rainfall, Maamigili island in Alif Dhaal atoll experienced 50.5 millimeters of rainfall, Maavah island in Laamu atoll experienced 40.6 millimeters of rainfall and Kaadedhdhoo island in Gaaf Dhaal atoll experienced 40.4 millimeters of rainfall.
In addition to this, Kahdhoo island in Laamu atoll experienced 39.7 millimeters of rainfall, Nilandhoo island in Faafu atoll experienced 39.1 millimeters of rainfall, Thinadhoo island in Gaaf Dhaal atoll experienced 38.1 millimeters of rainfall and Gemanafushi island in Gaaf Alif atoll experienced 31.2 millimeters of rainfall.
Maldives experiences heavy rain showers and adverse weather conditions during the southwest monsoon as well as the northeast monsoon. Extensive periods of strong winds and adverse weather conditions are usually experienced mostly during the southwest monsoon.
Such adverse weather conditions have caused trees to uproot, roofs to be torn off, and heavy debris falling onto houses, causing immense damage. The squally weather during monsoon also causes extensive damage to crop in some islands and presents challenges for seafarers and fishermen as well. Some islands have been experiencing swell waves surges during high tides as well.
