Public urged to take safety measures against thunderstorms

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a public advisory on Monday, urging people to take safety measures to mitigate the impact of thunderstorms.

The advisory comes after the Maldives Meteorological Service warned that heavy rain and thunderstorms were expected to persist over the next 24 hours.

The agency has also issued a yellow alert for moderate thunderstorms for the area from Lh. Atoll to V. Atoll.

The NDMA urged the public to take precautionary measures to minimize potential damage and ensure safety.

Some of the measures advised by the agency are:

• Avoid open spaces and high grounds. Stay indoors.
• Avoid taking shelter under high object and trees.
• Unplug electronics and avoid using them.
• Stay out of flood water, and avoid wet items and metal objects.

The Meteorological Service has also issued an advisory, urging everyone, especially seafarers, to take precautionary measures.

The heaviest rainfall over the last 24 hours was recorded in Addu City. The city’s Hithadhoo district saw 46.1 millimeters of rainfall, while F. Biledhdhoo saw 33 millimeters and Addu’s Hulhumeedhoo saw 32.4 millimeters.

The current spell of bad weather has been attributed to the monsoon transitional period, as the Northeast or Iruvai Monsoon transitions into Southwest or Hulhangu Monsoon.