Yellow Alert Issued From N. Atoll to M. Atoll as Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Expected

The Maldives Meteorological Service has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain and strong winds covering the area from N. atoll to M. atoll. The alert is in effect from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm today. The service said heavy rain is expected, with winds of up to 45 miles per hour in squalls. The authority has advised residents, especially those traveling by sea, to pay attention to the weather and take necessary safety precautions. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) have also urged sea travelers to inform relevant parties before setting out on journeys. Forecasts for the next 24 hours indicate heavy rain in various parts of the country. Conditions are expected to improve from Sunday, though the weather is forecast to deteriorate again from Tuesday, with strong winds but no heavy rain expected. The current rainy spell has already caused flooding and major damage in many northern islands, with water entering homes. NDMA said severe damage was reported in H.Dh. atoll, H.A. atoll, and some islands of Lh. atoll.