Police have warned the public to avoid crossing the Sinamalé Bridge on Saturday due to unusually high tidal waves affecting the bridge area that day.
During the southwest monsoon, certain areas of Malé, particularly the Henveiru neighborhood and sections of Majeedhee Road, are prone to flooding. Today’s tidal waves have exacerbated the situation, causing flooding not only in the Sinamale Bridge area but also in the Majeedhee Street area.
Some of the videos circulating online show vehicles traveling on these roads being swept away by the waves, resulting in significant damage.
Due to the powerful force of the waves and the considerable damage to vehicles parked in Malé’s industrial area, police have urged the public to refrain from unnecessary trips across the bridge today.
The authorities advise residents of Malé and Hulhumalé to opt for four-wheel-drive vehicles when crossing the bridge, if necessary. Motorcycles are the preferred vehicle among Maldivians.
As the city experienced high surf, wave heights of up to 0.94 meters were observed this afternoon.
The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) has issued a white alert from Kaafu Atoll to the town of Addu, warning of the potential for tidal waves.
Apart from Malé, several islands in the central atolls also experienced swells today.