Following the prediction of adverse weather conditions to prevail over most of the country for the next 24 hours, the Maldives Meteorological Service has predicted northern and central regions of the country to experience more swell surges over the course of the next 24 hours.

As seas are especially squally in the north and center of the country, sea farers have been urged to practice caution when travelling.

This comes at a time large chunks of Maldives have been affected after swell wave surges caused damage to several households.

Further, the department also issued a white alert at 12:35pm on Thursday, from the regions between Shaviyani atoll to Thaa atoll. The alert is expected to last till 4pm.

Further, MET revealed that strong winds are expected to gust 23 - 29 miles per hour, with scattered rain showers and a few thunderstorms across central and northern atolls.

Isolated showers are predicted to prevail over southern atolls, with gusty winds of 13 – 23 miles per hour in central and northern atolls and at 08 – 18 miles per hour in south.

With this prediction, choppy sea conditions are expected in central and northern atoll, while moderate in the southern region.

Some of the islands affected by swell surges thus far include;

1. Holhudhoo island in Noonu atoll,

2. Narudhoo island in Shaviyani atoll,

3. Dhiggaru island in Meemu atoll,

4. Maduvvari island in Raa atoll,

5. Hoarafushi island in Haa Alif atoll,

6. Kinolhas island in Raa atoll and

7. Dhevvadhoo island in Gaaf Alif atoll.

Chief Executive of the National Disaster Management Center, Hisaan Hassan told RaajjeMV that they received reports of swell wave surges damaging property in 12 households of Holhudhoo island of Noonu atoll. The center is currently working to assess damage to other islands that were affected by the swell surges.

Most of the affected islands stressed on the issue of soil erosion due to high tides.

President of Maalhos island council in Alif Alif atoll, Abdulla Shujau confirmed to RaajjeMV that the island has been affected by swell surges as well. Following this, island residents have been working to place sandbags at thresholds to prevent the water from entering households.

MET continues to urge sea farers to practice caution before planning their trips. Moreover, sea farers are advised to inform relevant authorities before travelling, in case of facing a sea incident. Further, travelers are pushed to ensure safety measures are taken before traveling such as making sure vessels have lifejackets, drain pumps as well as a good means of communication. Cargo vessels are also urged to practice caution and strictly stick to the rules when loading vessels. All vessels are required to safe keep their licenses as well.

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