White Alert issued for a large part of the Maldives, Yellow Alert for southern regions!
12 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 07:49The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has urged seafarers to exercise heightened caution and strictly adhere to safety protocols due to deteriorating weather conditions and rough seas. Authorities have advised vessel operators to ensure proper cargo loading and the use of life jackets, while explicitly warning against travel during Yellow or Orange weather alerts. Additionally, organizers of water sports and maritime activities are cautioned to monitor weather updates closely and prioritize safety in their operations.
Heavy rainfall causes widespread street flooding. | RaajjeMV
A white alert has been issued for a large part of the Maldives, with a yellow alert in effect for southern regions, as heavy rain and strong winds are expected to lash the archipelago.
The National Meteorological Service issued these alerts following an earlier orange warning for Fuvahmulah and Addu City, where heavy rainfall and thunderstorms were expected to cause flooding.
The latest alerts indicate that the atolls under a white alert will experience wind speeds between 19 and 24 miles per hour. Winds are expected to gust up to 40 miles per hour, leading to rough seas. The office further stated that regions under a yellow alert are likely to experience heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has urged seafarers to exercise extreme caution and strictly adhere to safety protocols as weather conditions deteriorate and seas become increasingly rough across the archipelago.
In this regard, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has urged the public to obtain the latest weather updates before embarking on essential travel and to share trip details with the relevant authorities. Furthermore, mariners are strictly advised against setting sail during periods when weather authorities have issued Yellow or Orange alerts.
Furthermore, authorities have urged all passengers to wear life jackets and advised vessel operators to ensure that safety equipment, including communication devices and bilge pumps, are in good working order before commencing any journey.
The MNDF has reminded cargo vessel operators to adhere to legal loading limits and to ensure all freight is securely fastened to prevent items from being swept overboard by strong winds and heavy seas.
At the same time, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has advised operators of water sports and diving activities within the tourism sector to remain highly vigilant of changing weather conditions and to refrain from conducting any activities without ensuring full safety measures are in place.
