A person has been hospitalized and several buildings have sustained severe damage after a powerful waterspout struck Sh. Lhaimagu on Saturday morning amidst widespread stormy weather across the Maldives.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the extreme wind event ripped roofs off approximately four residential homes and several local warehouses across the island. During the incident, an airborne metal roofing sheet struck an individual on the head, causing lacerations; the victim is currently receiving medical treatment at the local health center.
The Lhaimagu Island Council and relevant national authorities have launched rapid damage assessments to identify structural losses and coordinate essential relief. Emergency support and assistance are currently being mobilized for the affected households and property owners.
The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) warned that torrential rains, localized cloudbursts, and gusty squalls are expected to persist across major parts of the country through Wednesday. Satellite observations show dense cloud bands lingering over the archipelago, keeping risk levels elevated for abrupt and severe convective weather systems.
The destructive event in Lhaimagu follows heavy rainfall and flooding that impacted southern atolls overnight, including GA. Kolamaafushi, where floodwaters entered several homes and knocked out electricity. Authorities continue to urge island communities and seafarers to maintain vigilance and take preventive safety measures.