A Maldivian man has gone missing after entering the lagoon near the State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) area in Hulhumalé this evening.
According to the Maldives Police Service, the man entered the water at around 6:30 PM to tie a rope near the lagoon area shortly after sunset.
Police said the individual has not been seen since entering the water, prompting a joint search and rescue operation involving Marine Police and the Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identity or personal details of the missing man.
The incident occurred amid deteriorating weather conditions across the Greater Malé region and several parts of the Maldives.
During periods of rough weather and strong winds, boat owners commonly secure vessels with additional ropes and safety measures. It is believed the missing man had been carrying out such work at the time of the incident.
Earlier in the day, the Maldives Meteorological Service issued Yellow Alerts for central atolls, warning of strong winds, rough seas and heavy rain.
The Met Office has forecast worsening southwest monsoon conditions tonight and tomorrow, particularly across northern and central regions of the country.
Authorities stated that rough seas, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected to continue as the weather system intensifies.
Search efforts for the missing man were ongoing at the time of publication.
