The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has urged the public to take precautionary measures to mitigate potential damages as severe weather is expected to affect a large part of the Maldives from January 13 – 18.
NDMA has urged to pay attention to ensuring arrangements are made so that there is no shortage of food and essential items.
According to the Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS), a low-pressure system that has formed in the south-western Bay of Bengal to the east of Maldives is expected to move westward. As a result, the department has stated that thunderstorms and rain are likely to affect a large chunk of the archipelago nation between January 13 – 18. This is also expected to cause strong winds to tear through the atolls, rough seas to storm several regions, and possible swell wave surges in some islands.
In a statement issued predicting the worsening weather conditions, NDMA urged to work in advance to protect against potential damage from the worsening weather.
Among the measures highlighted by NDMA to minimize damages from the severe weather include being alert to potential flooding and placing sandbags or similar barriers at doorways to prevent water from entering homes, avoiding parking motorcycles and other vehicles in flood-prone areas, taking early steps to protect valuable business assets and goods in shops, warehouses, cafes and other storage facilities, and moving food items, washing machines, refrigerators and similar equipment from flood-prone areas to higher and safer locations.
In addition to this, NDMA has cautioned the public to be alert to the possibility of strong winds and take related safety precautions, especially securing items that could be blown away by strong gusts of winds.
NDMA has also advised those planning sea travel to obtain the latest weather information from relevant authorities before starting their journey. It was also stated to ensure adequate safety measures and communication systems are in place during the trip.
NDMA has requested those in Malé City specifically to refrain from driving heavy vehicles in flooded areas.
In a statement released on 12 January 2024, NDMA requested to "pay special attention" to minimizing damages to property and goods.
In a statement issued on Sunday, MMS said that while severe weather is expected from January 13 – 18, there is a possibility of swell wave surges affecting northern and central atolls.
MMS has advised everyone to be wary of the latest weather forecasts, weather alerts, warnings and measures to be taken to minimize damages issued by the department as severe weather conditions are looming.
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 wave surges during high tides as well.
