Severe Thunderstorms Trigger Power Outages and Lightning Damage in Hulhumale’, Issues White and Yellow Alerts

Severe thunderstorms swept across parts of the central Maldives last night, bringing intense lightning, loud thunder and brief power outages to Hulhumale’ as the Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) issued weather alerts across several regions of the country.

The MET Office issued a white alert covering areas from Baa Atoll to Addu City from midnight until 5:00am on Wednesday, warning of moderate thunderstorms, strong lightning activity and heavy rain associated with dense cloud bands moving across the central atolls.

A yellow alert was also issued for areas from Kaafu Atoll to Laamu Atoll during the same period, with similar warnings of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and strong lightning activity.

Residents in Hulhumale’ reported continuous thunder and lightning from early evening, with weather conditions intensifying close to midnight. The storm caused temporary power outages in parts of Hulhumale’ Phase I and Phase II.

Videos shared on social media by MVCrisis showed intense lightning activity across the area during the storm.

A section of a building wall in Hulhumale’ Phase I collapsed after being struck by lightning. The incident occurred near the cemetery, where witnesses reported pieces of concrete falling following the strike. No injuries were reported.

Hulhumale’ Phase II has experienced frequent power-related issues throughout the month, with Tuesday night’s weather placing additional strain on the electricity network.

According to the MET Office, the severe weather was linked to active convective cloud formations over the central Indian Ocean, resulting in short but intense periods of rain, thunder and lightning.

Authorities advised members of the public to remain indoors during periods of lightning and to avoid construction sites, unstable structures and standing water. Seafarers were also urged to exercise caution due to rough seas and sudden gusts.

The Maldives is currently in the southwest monsoon transition period, during which sudden thunderstorms and severe lightning activity are common.