Flooding and strong winds cause damage in Addu, Madaveli

Heavy rain and strong winds have caused flooding and property damage in parts of Addu City and Gdh. Madaveli as wet weather continues across several regions of the Maldives.

According to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), heavy rainfall led to flooding on streets in Addu Feydhoo and Gdh. Madaveli, prompting emergency water drainage operations.

MNDF said flood response efforts in Madaveli began at around 1:35 a.m. on Sunday and continued until approximately 9:40 a.m. Pump-assisted drainage was carried out to remove accumulated water from affected areas.

In Feydhoo, de-watering operations commenced at around 3:45 a.m. and continued until about 10:10 a.m.

The MNDF said floodwaters had since been cleared from the affected streets.

Water drainage operations were also ongoing on Sunday in Ha. Utheemu and Hdh. Hanimaadhoo.

In Addu City, strong winds caused damage to a house in Hithadhoo after part of its roof was blown off. MNDF personnel responded to the incident during the early hours of Sunday.

Several tree branches were also brought down in Hithadhoo as a result of the weather conditions.

Data released by the Maldives Meteorological Service showed that the highest rainfall totals on Saturday were recorded in Addu and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.

The recorded rainfall figures were:

The Meteorological Service has warned that rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue across parts of the country, with the northern and southern atolls likely to receive the highest rainfall.

A Yellow Alert remains in effect from Haa Alifu Atoll to Raa Atoll due to forecasts of heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 35 mph.

The weather office said winds in northern and central regions are expected to blow from the southwest and west at speeds between 13 mph and 23 mph, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph during showers.

Sea conditions are expected to be rough in northern and central areas and may become rough in southern regions during periods of rain. Wave heights are forecast to range between four and seven feet in central areas and between two and five feet in southern regions.

The Meteorological Service previously forecast above-average rainfall for some northern and central atolls during May. For June, rainfall across the country is expected to be below long-term averages, while temperatures are forecast to remain above average nationwide.