The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) has issued a White Alert for a large part of the Maldives tonight, warning of tidal swells that could affect low-lying coastal areas from Kaafu Atoll to Addu City.
According to the MET Office, the alert is in effect from 10:00 PM tonight until 2:30 AM, with swell waves expected to impact islands across the affected region. A White Alert is issued when forecast or observed swell and tidal waves are expected to have a minor impact, prompting residents to remain cautious.
The overnight warning comes after significant tidal flooding struck parts of Malé City earlier on Sunday. Seawater, sand and debris washed across the Raalhugandu area as high tides overtopped coastal defences. The Carnival area experienced extensive flooding, causing damage to several parked vehicles, while vehicles in the Industrial Village area were also affected by saltwater.
Floodwaters also reached the recently reclaimed sections of Boduthakurufaanu Magu, including areas developed under the ongoing road expansion project.
According to tide predictions, Sunday’s peak high tide in the Malé region occurred at 11:53 AM, reaching 0.74 metres. Forecasts indicate that Monday’s peak high tide, expected at 12:28 PM, will rise to approximately 0.79 metres, increasing the potential for further coastal flooding if large swells coincide with the higher tide.
The MET Office advises residents, particularly those living or travelling in low-lying coastal areas, to remain vigilant during the alert period and monitor the latest weather and marine advisories. Swell events in the Maldives are commonly generated by distant weather systems across the Indian Ocean and can lead to coastal inundation when they coincide with high astronomical tides.
