K. Dhiffushi witnesses record rainfall; 296.1mm in 24hours

Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) has reported that a record amount of rainfall was recorded in Dhiffushi island of Kaafu atoll in the past 24 hours. According to the department, 296.1 millimeters of rain was recorded in Dhiffushi in the past 24 hours.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s ‘Fashaairu’ morning talk show, Meteorologist Aminath Rasheedha from MMS highlighted that it had rained heavily across Kaafu atoll all through the past 24 hours, with 296.1 millimeters of rainfall recorded in Dhiffushi. She said this was a record amount for the Maldives. She also said that 185.5 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in Hulhumalé, 177.2 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in Hulhulé, and that the amount of rainfall in the capital Malé City was not recorded due to system damage.

Noting that heavy rain had been experienced across all parts of the Maldives, she noted that 166.3 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in Goidhoo island of Baa atoll, 159.6 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in Dharavandhoo island of Baa atoll, 127 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in Maamiligili island of Alif Dhaal atoll, 124.4 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in Gaafaru island of Kaafu atoll, 121.9 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in Thoddoo island of Alif Alif atoll, and 178 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in Nilandhoo island of Faafu atoll.

In addition to this, the meteorologist said that the current spell of bad weather affecting the Maldives is due to a low-pressure system that formed in the southwest of Sri Lanka. She also noted that some areas would be affected by the system on Monday, and that the weather is expected to improve on Tuesday.

According to the meteorologist, heavy rainfall is expected across a vast majority of the Maldives today as well. Heavy rain is expected from Haa Alif atoll to Baa atoll.

According to information published by the department, while Dhiffushi witnessed a record amount of rainfall, on 12 August 2024, Kelaa island of Haa Alif atoll witnessed 231.5 millimeters of rainfall in 24 hours. In addition to this, on 5 December 2018, the capital Malé City experienced 228.9 millimeters of rainfall, on 24 November 2015, Gan island of Seenu atoll experienced 228.4 millimeters of rainfall, and on 9 July 2022, 219.8 millimeters of rainfall was recorded.

The department went on to reveal that the weather will remain adverse for the next 24 hours as well. Winds will blow from the northwest and north at speeds between 10 and 20 miles per hour, with gusts potentially reaching 40 miles per hour in thunderstorms, according to the service.

MMS revealed that the sea will be moderately rough and rough in thunderstorms, with wave heights of three to six feet.

Due to the heavy rainfall experienced in the past 24 hours, significant damage has been reported in the capital region and some islands across outlying atolls. Houses have been flooded, and property has been damaged.

With the weather predicted to be adverse across the entire Maldives, people have been urged practice caution for everyone’s safety.

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.