MNDF Urges Public to Avoid Non-Essential Sea Travel Amid Rough Weather
A speedboat on a rainy day | Photo: MV+
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has advised the public to refrain from all non-essential sea travel as strong westerly winds and rough seas continue to affect the country. The warning comes during the school holiday season, when sea travel is typically high across the islands.
“Considering the strong westerly winds affecting the Maldives during this time, which are expected to persist until Wednesday, particularly across the whole country with strong winds and rough seas, it is recommended to avoid any non-essential sea travel. Given that this is the school holiday season and a high volume of sea travel is anticipated, we strongly encourage everyone to closely monitor the weather conditions,” In a statement issued on today, the MNDF said.
The Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) has also issued a white alert—the first level in its weather warning system—for regions spanning from Haa Alifu Atoll to Thaa Atoll. The alert, active from 13:35 to 19:45 on Sunday, warns of winds between 19–24 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph.
ވަކިން ހާއްސަކޮށް ކޮންސްޓްރަކްޝަން މަސައްކަތްކުރާ ސައިޓުތަކުގައި ސޭފްޓީއަށް ޖަހާފައިހުންނަ ފެންސް ވަޔާ ނުދާނޭހެން ރަނގަޅަށް ހަރުކުރުމަށް އިލްތިމާސްކުރަން.— Maldives Police (@PoliceMv) August 4, 2025
In light of the current weather conditions, the Maldives Police Service has also urged the public to remain vigilant and to take extra precautions to avoid any unfortunate incidents during this period.
“Specifically, we urge construction sites to ensure their safety fences are secured strongly enough that they will not be blown away by the wind,” the Police said on X.
The MMS forecasts thundershowers and unsettled weather across the country over the next three days. Islanders and seafarers are urged to monitor official updates and follow safety instructions provided by the authorities.
Alert white for strong winds extended. pic.twitter.com/Y568MnVIoz— Maldives Meteorology (@MetMaldives) August 4, 2025
Weather alerts issued by the MMS fall into four categories:
- White Alert – Level 1
- Yellow Advisory – Level 2
- Orange Warning – Level 3
- Red Warning – Level 4





