New Rainfall Record Set on Dhiffushi Island with 296mm
Photo: NDMA
The island of Dhiffushi in K. Atoll recorded over 296 millimetres of rainfall on Saturday, setting a new record for the heaviest daily rainfall on a Maldivian island.
The record rainfall occurred as heavy rain and thunderstorms led to widespread flooding across multiple islands, including the capital, Malé. According to the Maldives Meteorological Service, Dhiffushi’s automatic weather station registered 296.1 millimetres of rain within 24 hours, surpassing the previous record held by HA. Kelaa, which recorded 231.5 millimetres in August 2024.
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The top five highest accumulated rainfall records are as follows:
- K. Dhiffushi: 296.1mm on March 2, 2025
- HA. Kelaa: 231.5mm on August 12, 2024
- K. Malé: 228.9mm on December 5, 2018
- S. Gan: 228.4mm on November 24, 2015
- GDh. Kaadedhdhoo: 219.8mm on July 9, 2002
The 24-hour period for these measurements is taken from 08:00 hours to 08:00 hours.
On Saturday, the heaviest rainfall was recorded in several locations:
- K. Dhiffushi: 296.1mm
- Hulhumalé: 185.2mm
- F. Nilandhoo: 178.2mm
- Hulhulé: 177.2mm
- B. Goidhoo: 166.3mm
The intense rainfall caused severe flooding in Malé and several other islands in the central Maldives. In Malé, 40 people from four homes were relocated to temporary shelters as flooding led to the overflow of sewers.
In response to the ongoing weather conditions, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu declared Sunday a public holiday, with adverse weather expected to persist until at least Monday.
