Dhiffushi records highest rainfall in 30 years
Meteorologists have attributed the increased frequency of such extreme weather events to climate change.
The National Meteorological Department (MET) on Sunday reported that K. Dhiffushi received 296 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, marking the highest recorded rainfall in the country since weather statistics began.
The previous record was set last year in HA. Kela, where 231 mm of rainfall was recorded.
A MET official confirmed that Dhiffushi experienced an unprecedented amount of rainfall within a single day.
Residents of Dhiffushi reported that heavy rains began Saturday afternoon and continued throughout the night, with brief pauses before intensifying again. The extent of the damage caused by the flooding has yet to be assessed.
In previous years, severe rainfall in Dhiffushi resulted in extensive flooding, requiring water to be drained by creating a channel to the sea.
Historical rainfall records:
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2018 in Male: 228.9 mm
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2015 in Addu Gan: 228.4 mm
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2002 in GDh. Kaadedhdhoo: 219.8 mm
Areas that recorded high rainfall on Saturday:
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Hulhumale: 185.2 mm
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F. Nilandhoo: 178 mm
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Hulhule: 177 mm
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B. Goidhoo: 166 mm
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B. Dharavandhoo: 159 mm
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N. Manadhoo: 127 mm
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K. Gaafaru: 124 mm
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B. Thulhaadhoo: 121 mm
The MET stated that rainfall data from some locations could not be recorded due to damage to monitoring stations. The recent heavy rainfall has also caused flooding in Male.
Meteorologists have attributed the increased frequency of such extreme weather events to climate change.
