The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has urged seafarers to exercise extreme caution as strong winds, rough seas and heavy rainfall are forecast across much of the Maldives.
The warning comes as the Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) expects unsettled conditions to continue for the next three days, with widespread rain on September 11, 12 and 13. Heavy showers and thunderstorms are possible over some islands.
The MNDF advised vessels to inform relevant authorities of travel plans before departure and ensure essential safety equipment, including life jackets, communication systems and bilge pumps, is fully operational.
Cargo vessels have been warned against overloading and instructed to properly secure cargo. Passengers and crew have also been advised to wear life jackets and remain alert throughout their journeys.
Diving and water sports operators should closely monitor MET Office updates and avoid heading to sea in areas under Yellow or Orange alerts, the MNDF said.
According to the MET Office, winds outside the southern atolls are expected from the west and northwest at 15 to 22 mph, with gusts reaching around 40 mph during squalls. Southern atolls can expect southwest and west winds of 5 to 15 mph.
Seas are forecast to remain rough across most of the country, while conditions in the south are expected to be generally moderate, becoming rough during gusts.
The unsettled conditions are associated with the prevailing Southwest Monsoon, which is expected to support extensive rain cloud development over the Maldives during the coming days.
