The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has urged proactive measures to mitigate the potential damages from flooding caused by heavy rains.
The Maldives Meteorology Service (MET Office) has issued a weather advisory warning of adverse weather conditions across the Maldives over the New Year holiday.
Following the forecast, NDMA has urged the public to take immediate measures to mitigate the damage caused by potential flooding. The authority recommended moving valuable belongings to dry areas which will not be affected by flood waters, and turning off electronic equipment that are not in use. The authority also urged to be prepared for potential sea swells.
NDMA’s advise comes while the MET Office has issued yellow alerts for the areas between Vaavu Atoll and Dhaalu Atoll. While torrential rain and thunderstorms with gust winds of 45 mph are expected for the area, seas are also expected to be rough. The yellow alert will be in effect until 12:30 am on Thursday.
According to the MET Office, the current weather conditions are linked to a cyclone that has formed southeast of Sri Lanka, and a low pressure trough associated with it.