Severe weather conditions associated with the onset of the southwest monsoon are expected to persist across the country throughout the week, the Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has warned. A ‘yellow’ alert is currently in effect for the northern and central regions, with the Met Office warning the public about the possibility of strong winds, gusts, and turbulent seas.
This yellow alert, effective until 02:30 a.m. on Tuesday, covers all areas between Haa Alifu Atoll in the north to Thaa Atoll in the south. The Met Office forecasts strong winds reaching 25 to 30 miles per hour, with gusts potentially reaching 50 miles per hour, along with very rough seas.
According to the Met Office, severe weather conditions are expected to last until Thursday. A potent weather system that had affected the southern regions over the past two days is anticipated to move away from the country, the Met Office said.
Meanwhile, the Construction Ministry has issued an advisory urging all construction companies and contractors to exercise caution due to the strong winds. This follows various weather related incidents at construction sites across Hulhumalé.
In a recent incident, the scaffolding of an under-construction high-rise apartment complex was damaged, with parts falling onto the road.
The severe weather conditions have already caused significant damage to some islands in the south. The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coastguard has also attended two maritime incidents over the past two days.