Gemanafushi records highest rainfall in 24 hours, Met Office says

Heavy rain has lashed several parts of the Maldives over the past 24 hours, with Ga. Gemanafushi recording the highest total, according to the Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office). The Met Office said 101.8 millimetres of rain was recorded in Gemanafushi during the period, the highest in the country. Hulhule followed with 90.3 millimetres, while Male' received 90 millimetres. Weather conditions have deteriorated across much of the Maldives since yesterday. The Met Office attributed the unsettled weather to a strengthening westerly monsoon and weather systems formed over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, which are directing rain bands over the atolls. The Met Office warned that heavy rain is likely to continue over different parts of the country in the next 24 hours. Winds are expected to be 10 to 20 miles per hour across northern and central Maldives, and 8 to 18 miles per hour in southern Maldives, with gusts of up to 45 miles per hour in squalls. The office is issuing advisories and urging the public to remain alert.