Weather conditions expected to deteriorate over the next 24 hours; MNDF urges seafarers to exercise caution
31 ޖުލައި 2026 | ހުކުރު 09:07The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has urged seafarers to strengthen safety measures as the ongoing southwest monsoon brings strong winds and rough seas across the country. The Coast Guard has advised vessel operators to ensure all safety equipment is in working order and to remain vigilant by closely monitoring official weather alerts before and during travel.
A vessel navigates through rough seas during a period of inclement weather. | RaajjeMV
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has urged seafarers to exercise caution as the southwest monsoon intensifies across the region, bringing strong winds and rough seas.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) on Friday urged seafarers to exercise heightened caution following forecasts from the National Meteorological Service. The advisory warns of strengthening monsoon conditions across the Maldives, which are expected to bring generally strong winds, rough seas, and widespread rain.
The Coast Guard has urged mariners to refrain from departing without notifying the relevant authorities and to ensure that essential safety equipment—including life jackets, communication systems, and bilge pumps—is in proper working order. Furthermore, operators of cargo vessels are advised to strictly adhere to weight limits to avoid overloading and to ensure all cargo is securely lashed and stabilized before departure.
Furthermore, the MNDF Coast Guard has urged travelers to wear life jackets and exercise heightened caution.
The MNDF has urged diving and water sports organizers to pay close attention to weather conditions, advising against any travel or activities while the national meteorological service has issued yellow or orange weather alerts.
As the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) urges the public to remain vigilant regarding weather conditions, the Maldives Meteorological Service has forecast widespread rain across much of the country from 10:00 AM Friday to 10:00 AM Saturday. The office further noted that some islands are expected to experience heavy downpours and thunderstorms.
The Maldives Meteorological Service has stated that winds are expected to prevail from the southwest and west at speeds between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts potentially reaching up to 50 mph. Furthermore, seas are expected to be generally rough, with wave heights projected to reach between 5 and 7 feet.
Furthermore, the authority has forecasted that some islands may experience tidal surges during high tide hours.
As adverse weather conditions prevail across the entire Maldives, a white alert has been issued for the region spanning Gaafu Alifu Atoll to Addu City, effective from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm this Friday.
Heavy rainfall on Friday caused flooding across Male' City and several islands, prompting residents and relevant authorities to launch a joint operation to drain the floodwaters.
Heavy rainfall during the southwest monsoon has led to severe flooding across islands, causing water to enter homes and damage property. The adverse weather has also resulted in dangerous incidents, including trees being uprooted and roofs being blown off by strong winds. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in maritime accidents.
