Government agencies have announced that they have activated emergency operations and are on high alert due to the deteriorating weather conditions in the Maldives.

This was revealed during a joint press conference held by the Maldives Police Service (MPS), Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday afternoon, in connection with the worsening weather conditions nationwide

Speaking at the presser, Chief Executive at NDMA Hisaan Hassan said that emergency operations have been activated due to the spell of bad weather expected to intensify starting Monday. He stated that preparations are underway across all regions of the Maldives with relevant authorities, and that sandbags and other necessary items have been provided to flood-prone areas. He also highlighted that sandbags have been placed in more than 57 locations in Malé, which are known to be prone to flooding. Hisaan added that work is ongoing to place sandbags in additional areas that may require them. He noted that the sandbags were placed with significant assistance from the Malé City Council, and work is currently underway to place sandbags in more locations.

According to the Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS), a low-pressure system that has formed in the southwest of the Maldives is likely to move westward, increasing the chances of heavy rain and thunderstorms in the Maldives region. As a result, it is forecasted that a large part of the Maldives will experience rainy weather from tomorrow until Saturday of this week. Given this situation, he urged the public to follow and cooperate with the instructions given by relevant authorities. He emphasized the importance of taking precautionary measures to prevent water from entering business premises, even during closing hours. He also advised caution due to the expected strong winds and high waves. He instructed farmers and those with items that could be blown away by the strong gusts of winds to increase safety measures.

Both MPS and MNDF have assured that they are prepared for any potential situations arising from the adverse weather conditions. They noted that they are ready to provide assistance in areas that may be affected by flooding and high waves.

Speaking at the presser, Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy revealed that a joint operation between the military and police is in place, with its main center set up at Bandaara Koshi, in anticipation of the bad weather. Hilmy stated that they are fully prepared to provide assistance related to the worsening weather. He mentioned that task forces have been established in four different locations across the Maldives. He also said that arrangements have been made to distribute sandbags from three locations in Malé. These locations include the Children's Park, near Salman Mosque, and the Rasfannu area. He stated that MNDF is ready to respond to weather-related issues on a round-the-clock basis.

At Monday’s press conference, Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau said that they are prepared to minimize damage caused by the adverse weather. He highlighted that they are working with local councils to prepare for potential situations even in islands without police presence. Shujau also noted that roads in flood-prone areas of Malé will be closed to prevent damage to other members of the public from vehicle movement in flooded areas. He added that arrangements have been made for the police to be active round-the-clock to assist the public in flood-prone areas of Malé.

NDMA has urged the public to take precautions against potential damages, as severe weather is expected to affect a large part of the Maldives from January 13 – 18. They have also set up a hotline; 115, for reporting weather-related damages and seeking assistance.

According to MMS, the low-pressure system that has formed in the south-western Bay of Bengal, east of the Maldives, is expected to move westward. As a result, they predict that a large part of the Maldives may experience thunderstorms and rain from January 13 – 18. This may also lead to strong winds, rough seas, and possible swell wave surges in some islands.