Maldives Meteorological Center (MET Office) has said that cyclone ‘Mekunu’, a low-pressure system in the Arabian Sea that intensified into a tropical cyclone on May 22, “is not expected to have any adverse effects on Maldives”.

A statement issued by the MET Office on Thursday noted that the cyclone “is currently situated 2050km north west of Maldives and traveling further away towards the Middle Eastern area”. However, it noted that the cyclone “is expected to further intensify in the next six hours”, adding that it is expected to make “land fall over Oman/Yemen coast on Saturday morning”.

“Tropical Cyclone Mekunu is not expected to have any adverse effect on Maldives,” reads the statement. The name “Mekunu” was among the list of names proposed to the Tropical Cyclone naming system, by the Maldives.

MET Office further noted that the reason for the heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas in the country is due to the prevailing strong south west monsoon, and advised “all parties, especially sea farers” to take the necessary precautions before heading to sea.

While the office warned of swell waves during high tide, it highlighted that the timings in which they are most likely to occur. Swell waves could hit the northern atolls at around 7:45pm, central atolls at around 9:08pm and southern atolls at around 10:19pm. They are expected on Friday as well.

MET Office has also issued a yellow alert between Kaafu and Laamu atoll, which is valid until 4:45pm.