Torrential rain battered Male’ today, submerging streets and sending authorities into emergency response mode as floodwaters surged through the capital. The Maldives Police Service has issued an urgent appeal, urging heavy vehicles to stay off the roads until conditions stabilize.
Since the afternoon, relentless downpours have inundated several key areas, disrupting daily life. The military has been deployed across the city, working tirelessly to drain water and reinforce vulnerable spots with sandbags. Reports indicate that floodwaters have already entered multiple homes, leaving residents scrambling for safety.
POLICE URGE PUBLIC COOPERATION
The Maldives Police Service, in a statement released tonight, emphasized the severity of the situation, warning that further vehicle movement could exacerbate flooding. Authorities have advised that four-wheeled vehicles should only be used for essential purposes until water levels recede and normalcy is restored.
Meanwhile, the Maldives Meteorological Service has raised an Orange Alert for Male’ and surrounding areas, signaling an escalating crisis. The alert, in effect from 9:45 PM to midnight, warns of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, with further flooding expected.
In the Maldives’ weather alert system, Orange is the second-highest warning level, indicating rainfall exceeding 90mm per hour and winds reaching up to 63 miles per hour. The situation remains precarious, with the risk of worsening conditions looming.
GOVERNMENT MOBILIZES EMERGENCY RESPONSE
In a swift reaction, the government has activated multiple agencies to mitigate the crisis. Presidential Spokesperson Heena Waleed took to social media platform X to reassure the public, stating that all relevant government bodies are coordinating efforts to drain water and fortify affected streets.
Heena emphasized that officials are closely monitoring the situation, ensuring that necessary assistance reaches those impacted by the floodwaters.
With streets submerged and more rain expected, Male’ faces a critical few hours. The public is urged to exercise caution and follow official directives as the nation battles yet another bout of extreme weather.
