One injured, four homes damaged as whirlwind wreaks havoc at Lhaimagu

A whirlwind wreaked havoc at Sh. Lhaimagu on Saturday, leaving one person injured and multiple homes and businesses damaged.

The incident comes as the Southwest Monsoon, locally known as the Hulhangu Monsoon, becomes active over the country, with Maldives Meteorological Service warning of torrential rain and possible flooding across the Maldives through Wednesday.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has announced that a whirlwind hit Lhaimagu on Saturday morning.

According to the NDMA, one person was taken to the health center with injuries after the tin roof which got blown away by the whirlwind hit their head.

The whirlwind also damaged at least four homes and multiple warehouses, added the NDMA.

The NDMA said the local council is assessing the extent of the damage.

The incident took place amid a yellow alert for torrential rain and thunderstorms over a large part of northern Maldives.

It has since been downgraded to a white alert, with the national weather agency forecasting that the from HA. Atoll to ADh. Atoll will be affected by heavy rain and thunderstorms until at least 04:00 pm.

The Meteorological Service forecasts fairly widespread rain with isolated heavy showers and thunderstorms across the country on Saturday.

The agency also forecasts northeast/easterly winds in northern atolls and southwest/westerly winds elsewhere, at 8-18 miles per hour in the south and 5-15 miles per hour elsewhere.

Winds may gust to 35 miles per hour during showers.

Seas are expected to be moderate becoming rough during showers in the south, and slight becoming moderate during showers elsewhere.

Waves are expected to be between two to five feet in height.

The Meteorological Service issued a statement on Saturday warning of torrential rain and possible flooding across the Maldives through Wednesday, when the country celebrates its Republic Day.

“The Southwest Monsoon has become active over the Maldives. Due to this, widespread rain accompanied by occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected over the country from 7th to 11th November 2026,” said the agency.

The weather agency warned that some islands may experience periods of torrential rain with the possibility of localized flooding during this period.

“Therefore, all are advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions,” said the agency.