Several islands in the north have reported flood damage from wave swell surges and heavy rains as bad weather worsened across the country on Friday.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) told PSM News that half a dozen islands in the north have reported severe flooding from wave swell surges on top of the heavy rains.
Flooding due to wave swell surges have been reported from Narudhoo, Shaviyani Atoll and Inguraidhoo, Raa Atoll while flooding from heavy rains have been reported from Kudahuvadhoo, Dhaalu Atoll, Meedhoo, Dhaalu Atoll, Nilandhoo, Faafu Atoll and Magoodhoo, Faafu Atoll, NDMA said.
Narudhoo had experienced the worst of the flooding, NDMA said, with four houses reporting flood damage so far. The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Northern Area Command is currently active in the island to assist efforts to drain the flood.
Large parts of Kudahuvadhoo and Meedhoo are flooded with 10 houses suffering flood damage, NDMA said.
MNDF is also assisting local residents to combat severe flooding in Nilandhoo and Maamigili, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll.
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.
Forecasts indicate that the spell of bad weather will continue until Sunday, with swell wave surges also expected in some islands during high tide.
MET Office has issued an orange warning for the islands from Baa Atoll to Thaa Atoll. The warning was issued until 7pm with heavy rain and thunderstorms forecasted.
Authorities have urged extreme caution during sea travel and advised to take precautionary measures against flooding and swell wave surges.