The continued bad weather in the Maldives could turn into a storm, defence minister Adam Shareef Umar warned Thursday.
The minister told state TV that people need to be more vigilant as the weather could worsen.
"The bad weather could turn into a storm. The meteorology department is saying that its now heading away from us. But we need to be extra vigilant and stay safe," the minister urged.
Minister said the authorities were not expecting a disaster but assured that the military and the coast guard remain on stand-by.
Authorities have urged against unnecessary sea travel and get timely weather updates from the meteorology department before setting sail.
Yellow alert has been issued from the north to the central Atolls as heavy rain batters all parts of the archipelago. Flood damage was reported in Dhaal Atoll Meedhoo island.
