Large parts of the country have experienced swell wave surges.

Chief Executive of the National Disaster Management Center, Hisaan Hassan revealed that they received reports of swell wave surges damaging property in Holhudhoo island of Noonu atoll. Swell waves entered 12 households on the island, and the center is currently working to assess damage to property and households.

Further, Hisaan stated that work is currently underway to assess other islands that may have been affected by the swell surges.

RaajjeMV understands that swell wave surges also affected households and property in its wake in Narudhoo island of Shaviyani atoll, Dhiggaru island of Meemu atoll and Hoarafushi island in Haa Alif atoll.

Vice President of Dhiggaru Council, Yahya Abdul Rahman told RaajjeMV that swell waves have caused major damages in the island. The water entered several households and the island’s breakwater was also damaged, said Yahya.

Yahya went on to add that the swell surges began a little past 03:30am on Wednesday and that they have since begun recovery efforts with assistance from police officers stationed in the island. As such, sandbags are being placed outside homes to prevent further damage.

President of the Hoarafushi Council, Mohamed Waheed told RaajjeMV that although the waves did not enter the island, swells caused damage to the island’s reef. Further, it has been revealed that the island is experiencing soil erosion on the west region.

Sources have also reported that the swell waves took down the island’s navigational light and some boats docked at the harbor, in its wake.

Planning Officer at Narudhoo Council, Ahmed Mahir told RaajjeMV that the island has been experiencing swell surges since Monday and it got worse late Tuesday and early Wednesday. As such, flood water entered 400 feet into the island, said Mahir.

This comes at a time the Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) estimated swell wave surges during high tide times over some islands for the next few days. As such, the department predicted swell wave surges to mostly affect southern and central atoll.

Further, MET predicted the region to experience scattered rain showers and thunderstorms with surface winds gusting 15 – 25 miles per hour in central atolls and 10 – 20 miles per hour over the rest of the country.

MET revealed that seas are predicted to be rough during showers and generally rough throughout most of the country, going on to urge sea farers to practice caution, especially in central and northern atolls. Moreover, sea farers are advised to inform relevant authorities before travelling, in case of facing a sea incident.

In case of an accident, travelers are urged to contact Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) through their toll-free number 191.

This comes at a time the department also issued a while alert over northern and central atolls on Wednesday afternoon.