National Disaster Management Authority Advises Precautionary Measures Amidst Severe Weather Forecast

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has urged the public to take immediate precautionary measures as severe weather is expected to affect the Maldives from Wednesday, December 18, 2024. The advisory comes in response to a weather warning issued by the Maldives Meteorological Service, forecasting a significant increase in wind speeds and rough seas across the region over the next five days.

To mitigate potential damage, the NDMA has recommended several actions for the public:

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• Flood Preparedness: Residents are advised to prepare for possible flooding, taking proactive steps such as using gunny sacks to block water entry and moving furniture and valuables to higher ground or away from flood-prone areas within homes.
• Secure Outdoor Items: Strong winds are expected, so all outdoor belongings that could be blown away should be protected or brought indoors.
• Reinforce Roofs: With the risk of strong winds, the NDMA recommends securing roofs with ropes to prevent roofing sheets from being torn away.
• Electrical Safety: To prevent hazards, it is advised to switch off all electrical equipment when not in use.
• Limit Sea Travel: Non-essential sea travel should be avoided. For necessary journeys, vessels should be equipped with fully charged communication devices, safety equipment in optimal condition, and passengers should stay updated with the latest weather forecasts.

The Maldives Meteorological Service has forecast that wind speeds will increase from Wednesday, with the southern and central atolls experiencing winds of 17 to 27 miles per hour, while the northern atolls will see winds between 13 and 23 miles per hour. The seas are expected to be rough in the northern atolls and very rough in the southern and central atolls. Thundershowers with gusts of up to 40 to 55 miles per hour are also likely, and there is a possibility of swell wave surges affecting the southern and central regions.

The NDMA has urged residents to stay vigilant and to take all necessary precautions to safeguard their property and well-being during this period of adverse weather.