Maldives Meteorological Service has issued orange alert for a large part of Maldives, warning of strong winds and rough seas.
The orange alert is in effect from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm this Sunday, for the area from N. Atoll to Dh. Atoll.
Maldives Meteorological Service forecasts the area will be affected by strong winds of 34-40 miles per hour, with gust winds of 55 miles per hour, and rough seas.
The orange alert for strong winds comes with a yellow alert already in place for torrential rain, rough seas and wave surges from 07:30 am to 11:30 am this Sunday, for the area from HA. Atoll to L. Atoll.
SEAFARERS URGED TO BE CAUTIOUS
Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has issued a statement advising seafarers to be cautious amid the bad weather conditions.
Seafarers have been advised to check the latest weather updates before embarking on journeys, and to make sure communication devices, lifejackets and pumps are in working order.
Maldivian Red Crescent has also urged members of the public to take precautionary measures against flooding and to avoid trips via sea.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) states it is monitoring the situation in the atolls.
NDMA said that while some islands have experienced flooding over the last, no major incidents have been reported so far.
STRONG WINDS TOPPLE LARGE TREE, BLOCKING ROAD
In the capital Male’ City, strong winds toppled a large tree on the side of one of the main roads – Ameenee Magu – blocking the road.
A police spokesperson said the tree, planted near the Iskandhar Koshi, fell at approximately 07:45 am.
The road was cleared by city council workers with the assistance of the police.
The incident did not result in any injuries.
Maldives Meteorological Service has also advised commuters on the bridge and highway between Male’ City and suburban Hulhumale’ to take extra precautions.