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The Maldives Meteorological Service raised weather alert levels to Orange for southern atolls, warning of heavy torrential rain, severe thunderstorms, and potential island flooding.
News Desk
MNDF Officers Pump Floodwater from Inundated Addu City Streets - Photo: MNDF
MALÉ: The Maldives Meteorological Service raised weather warning levels to an Orange Alert for Fuvahmulah and Addu City following forecasts of severe thunderstorms and potential island flooding.
The national weather agency initially issued a White Alert for broad areas of the country as a major weather system brought widespread rain. By morning, officials upgraded the risk status and issued a Yellow Alert covering Gaafu Alifu Atoll down to Addu City, valid from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Weather conditions worsened further in the southernmost regions, prompting forecasters to raise the alert to Orange level for Fuvahmulah and Addu City through 1:00 PM. Met Office forecasters expect heavy downpours accompanied by frequent lightning and severe flooding in low-lying areas across both southern cities.
In addition, a White Alert was issued for regions between Baa Atoll and Thaa Atoll, remaining in effect until 6:00 PM. Strong winds reaching speeds between 19 and 24 miles per hour are expected across these central atolls, causing rough sea conditions.
Following the worsening weather, the Maldives National Defence Force urged all vessel operators and seafarers to exercise extreme caution before going to sea. Military authorities specifically advised fishermen and travelers to avoid maritime travel through areas under active Yellow and Orange alerts.
