Police issue safety advisory ahead of holiday period amid forecasts of heavy rain and rough seas

Police have urged the public to exercise caution during the upcoming holiday period as forecasts indicate deteriorating weather conditions across parts of the Maldives.

Schools and government offices will be closed for four consecutive days, including the weekend, beginning Wednesday. With many families expected to travel and spend time outdoors during the extended break, authorities have advised the public to prioritise safety and take precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.

Police warned that heavy rain, flooded roads and adverse weather conditions could quickly turn even routine journeys into dangerous situations. They noted that attempts to save a few minutes on the road or decisions to travel at sea despite poor weather could have serious consequences.

As such, police urged the public to place safety and security at the forefront of every decision made during the holiday period.

According to the Maldives Meteorological Service, the strengthening southwest monsoon is expected to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms over the next 24 hours. Some islands are also expected to experience significant rainfall and flooding, prompting authorities to advise both residents and travellers to remain vigilant.

ކުރިއަށް އޮތީ ސްކޫލްތަކާއި އޮފީސްތައް ބަންދު ދުވަސްކޮޅެކެވެ. ނަމަވެސް، ރާއްޖޭގެ އެކި ހިސާބުތަކަށް މޫސުން ގޯހެވެ. އެކްސިޑެންޓްތައް މަދުކޮށް، އާއިލާތަކުގެ ރައްކާތެރިކަން ކަށަވަރުކުރުމަށްޓަކައި ބައެއްކަންކަމަށް ސަމާލުވާނެޖެހެއެވެ. ބައެއް ނިންމުންތައް ނިންމުމުގައި މުސުމަށް ރިޔާއަތްކުރަންޖެހެއެވެ. ⭕ އިތުރު ތަފުސީލު: https://t.co/y5JMJsOhy2

— Maldives Police (@PoliceMv) November 10, 2026

Police noted that Republic Day falls on Wednesday, followed by a government holiday on Thursday, providing many families with an opportunity to travel and gather with relatives and friends. However, they stressed that taking appropriate safety measures is essential to protecting loved ones during the holidays.

The advisory placed particular emphasis on motorcycle users, noting that motorcycles remain a primary mode of transport for many Maldivians who rely on them for commuting, school runs and daily errands.

In the endearing community oriented message, Police warned that roads that are normally safe to travel can become hazardous during periods of heavy rain. Wet surfaces increase the likelihood of skidding and accidents, while rising floodwaters can conceal potholes and depressions beneath the surface, creating additional dangers for riders.

Authorities therefore advised motorists to exercise extra caution when travelling through flooded areas. If the depth of the water or the condition of the road beneath cannot be determined, police urged the public to avoid attempting the crossing or proceed only with extreme care.