Islands in the north of the country have been inundated with heavy rains causing largely unprecedented floods in those regions. According to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) there has been heavy flooding in parts of Dhidhdhoo Island in Haa Alifu Atoll and Finey Island in Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
Meanwhile, the army has been utilising pumps to drain flood waters in areas in Kulhudhuffushi Island of Haa Dhaalu Atoll, MNDF confirmed.
The Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) has currently issued a ‘White Alert for Heavy Rain and Flooding ‘ across the atolls between, and including, Haa Alifu and Baa.
A White Alert for heavy rain and flooding is generally issued when areas are expected to see in excess of between 50 millimetres of rainfall in one hour or 80 millimetres in six hours.
Southeast and southwest winds are expected to gust between eight and 18 mph in the central and southern regions, while south and southwest winds are expected to gust between three and 10 mph in the northern regions, according to weather forecasts. Central and southern seas are expected to be moderately rough with northern seas expected to vary between moderate and rough during the day, the MMS said.