Addu and Fuvahmulah cities are grappling with severe weather conditions that have swept across the country, with strong winds blowing off the roofs of at least three houses and toppling several trees. The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has attributed the prevailing conditions to the onset of the rainy season.
In Addu City, the roof of a house on Maradhoo-Feydhoo Island was ripped off, while two other houses in Fuvahmulah City were left roofless by strong winds.
The Met Office has warned that the stormy weather conditions will likely persist over the southernmost atolls throughout the day. A yellow alert is in effect for the area until 11 p.m. on Sunday, cautioning residents of strong winds, heavy rains, and rough seas.
Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar confirmed that authorities are providing assistance to residents whose homes were damaged during the storm. “Numerous houses have sustained damage,” Nizar shared in a social media post. The Municipal Works and Public Works Department of the Addu City Council and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) are extending their support to those affected.
Meanwhile, Fuvahmulah City Council Member Mohamed Fikury confirmed two houses in the city had lost their roofs due to the strong winds. These incidents occurred in the Dhiguvaadu Ward of the city. Additionally, Fikury reported damage to several billboards in various locations, including one with a welcome message for visitors to the island, due to the high winds.
According to the Met Office, severe weather conditions, including winds gusting up to 34 miles per hour and heavy rains, are expected to persist over the southernmost region, including Addu and Fuvahmulah.
The Met Office issued an alert on Wednesday, warning of severe weather conditions across most parts of the country until Monday. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) advised residents to secure roofs and household items in case of damage and to place items on higher ground to prevent flooding. On Friday, the MNDF Coastguard urged seafarers to exercise caution due to rough seas and advised against nighttime voyages.
