Bad weather sweeps across Maldives, Malé records heaviest rainfall on Wednesday

The Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) has announced that weather conditions across the entire country will remain adverse over the next 24 hours.

According to the weather department, scattered rainfall is expected from 10am Thursday to 10am Friday, with some islands likely to face heavy rain and thunderstorms. Winds are forecast to blow from the southwest and west at 10 to 20 miles per hour, with gusts reaching around 35 miles per hour during squalls. Seas will be moderately rough, becoming rough during squalls, with waves expected to reach between three and six feet.

As conditions worsened, the department issued a White Alert from Kaafu Atoll to Fuvahmulah City for Thursday from 9am to 2pm followed by another White Alert from Baa Atoll to Laamu Atoll from 2pm to 8pm. Winds are expected to gust up to 40 miles per hour during squalls.

The department has urged all parties, especially those traveling by sea to remain alert and take necessary precautions.

Statistics released by the department show that the capital Malé City recorded the heaviest rainfall on Wednesday, with 77.9 millimeters. Hulhumalé followed with 29.1 millimeters. After Malé, the highest rainfall was recorded in K. Dhiffushi with 76.5 millimeters, while ADh. Maamigili experienced 66 millimeters and Hulhulé recorded 57.9 millimeters on rainfall.

Amid the ongoing heavy rain, Malé City has experienced widespread flooding and damage to homes, while islands in the atolls have also reported varying levels of damage.