President briefs Indian PM on the adverse weather conditions to several Islands

President Dr Mohamed Waheed has briefed Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, on the experiencing adverse weather conditions to the several Islands of the Maldives. In a message sent to Dr Manmohan Sigh yesterday, the President noted that several Islands in the Maldives are experiencing heavy rain, storm surges and strong winds.

The President’s message to the Indian Prime Minister reads as follows: “I am writing to inform you that the Maldives has been experiencing adverse weather conditions during the last few days. Several islands in the Maldives are experiencing heavy rain, storm surges, and strong winds with speed of nearly 90 kilometers per hour. In addition, few islands in the Maldives have been hit by tornadoes. Although the Maldives is traditionally considered to be outside the cycle belt, the Maldives Meteorological Services attributes this unseasonal and unprecedented bad weather to the cyclone that is currently active in the Bay of Bengal.”

“The severe weather is causing extensive damage to the island communities and disrupting livelihoods. Several islands in the north and the south of the country have reported flooding, and damages to houses and other properties. Most significantly, the strong winds and the rough sea have disrupted internal sea transport in the country, affecting several hundred fishermen,” he stated. 

“The Government is responding to the situation by advising the island communities to take precautionary measures, and in helping the affected communities with emergency supplies. I have also been briefed that the cyclone is currently heading towards south India, and might make landfall sometime today or tonight. I have also been briefed on the precautionary measures taken by the authorities to minimise potential damage that the cyclone might cause. I hope and pray to the Almighty that India be saved from the worst effects of the cyclone.”