Kelaa sees a record daily rainfall of 231.5 mm

The northern Maldivian island of HA. Kelaa saw a record rainfall of 231.5 millimeters on Monday, amid widespread rain and thunderstorms across the country.

In a weather news brief on Tuesday, the Maldives Meteorological Service noted that the country experienced widespread rain with thunderstorms and gusts over the last three days.

The bad weather is triggered by an active Southwest Monsoon, locally known as the Hulhuangu Monsoon.

The Automatic Weather Station (AWS) in Kelaa recorded a daily rainfall of 231.5 millimeters on Monday – which the weather agency said was a record amount from an AWS to date.

Meanwhile, HDh. Hanimaadhoo recorded 177.5 millimeters of rainfall, R. Irufu recorded 102 millimeters, HDh. Kulhudhuffushi recorded 77.8 millimeters, and K. Kaashidhoo recorded 69.6 millimeters.

The AWS in F. Nilandhoo recorded maximum gust winds of 45 miles per hour.

There’s currently a yellow alert for torrential rain and thunderstorms in effect for northern Maldives – down from an orange alert on Monday. A white alert is in effect elsewhere, for heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Yellow Advisory extended. pic.twitter.com/Ie5brunDpD

— Maldives Meteorology (@MetMaldives) August 13, 2024

NDMA URGES PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also issued an advisory, urging the public to stay vigilant and take precautionary measures to safeguard property and belongings.

It urged the public to:

• Prepare for possible flooding
• Take proactive steps to safeguard homes from potential floodwaters, such as using gunny sacks to block water entry
• Protect Indoor furnishings: Move furniture and valuable items that maybe affected by flooding to higher places or away from potential flood areas within home
• Move furniture and valuable items to higher places or away from potential flood areas within the home to avoid damage from flooding Secure outdoor items: Protect or bring indoors any materials or belongings that could be blown away by strong winds
• Reinforce roofs; If there's a risk of strong winds damaging your roof, secure it with ropes to ensure roofing sheets are not blown away by winds
• Switch off all electrical equipment when not in use to prevent potential hazards
• Limit sea travel: Refrain from undertaking sea travel unless it is essential. Should travel be necessary, ensure that all safety equipment is in optimal condition, continuously monitor weather updates, and equip vessels with fully charged communication devices
• Before setting out on sea travel, obtain the most recent weather updates from the relevant authorities

The agency asked the public to stay vigilant and take proactive measures at island level to mitigate the risks.

BAD WEATHER EXPECTED TO PREVAIL OVER NEXT 5 DAYS

Maldives Meteorological Service says that widespread rain with thunderstorms is expected to prevail over the country during the next five days.

Average winds are expected to be 17-27 miles per hour over northern and central regions, and 13-23 miles per hour in the south.

Gust winds are expected to reach 60 miles per hour.

Seas are expected to be rough, becoming very rough during showers.

The weather agency has warned that swell wave surges are possible during high tide.

It urged everyone, especially seafarers, to be cautious and take all safety precautions.