Ha. Kelaa has experienced record-breaking rainfall, with 231.5 millimeters of rain recorded in the past 24 hours. According to the MET Office, this is the highest number ever recorded for 24 hours by an automated weather station in the Maldives.
Kelaa Council Vice-President Abdullah Sajid told AVAS that significant flooding was caused across the island due to the heavy rains. He said efforts to drain the water are ongoing with assistance from government institutions and local residents.
“About 20 houses on the island were flooded, with severe damage to the furniture,” Sajid said.
The heaviest rainfall in the past 24 hours was recorded in the northern region of the Maldives. An orange alert was also issued for the northern islands yesterday. The MNDF is actively working to drain the water from flooded areas.
Other islands have also experienced significant rainfall, with HDh. Hanimaadhoo recording 177.5 millimeters and R. Ifuru receiving 120 millimeters of rain. According to the Met Office, the highest wind speed of 46 mph was also recorded yesterday at the Nilandhoo Automatic Weather Station Station.
The Met Office said the country is currently experiencing the western monsoon, with thundershowers expected across a large part of the Maldives. Wind speeds are expected to range between 40 and 45 mph during showers.
