Yellow alert extended as weather conditions deteriorate and seas remain rough

The Maldives Meteorological Service has extended a yellow weather alert as deteriorating weather conditions are expected to prevail across a large part of the country.

The Maldives Meteorological Service has issued a yellow alert stretching from Haa Alif Atoll to Thaa Atoll. The advisory is in effect from 15:30 this afternoon until 19:30 tonight. According to the Met Office, these regions are expected to experience strong winds between 25 and 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph. Authorities have warned that sea conditions will be very rough during this period.

The Maldives Meteorological Service has urged seafarers to exercise heightened caution, as the current spell of monsoon rain is expected to result in rough seas across the country.

Heavy rainfall during the southwest monsoon has led to severe flooding across islands, resulting in water entering homes and causing property damage. The inclement weather has also triggered dangerous incidents, including trees being uprooted and roofs being blown off by strong winds. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in maritime accidents.

As the Maldives Meteorological Service issues warnings for travelers to exercise caution during the current spell of bad weather, several dangerous maritime incidents have already been reported. In one such instance, a landing craft that departed from K. Thilafushi foundered and sank after taking on water. Additionally, a safari vessel anchored off the coast of K. Maafushi drifted into the island’s breakwater after its anchor line snapped; the vessel sustained extensive damage and is reportedly beyond repair.