Severe thunderstorms have swept across central Maldives, with Hulhumalé facing heavy lightning and power outages.
The Meteorological Service issued a yellow alert from Kaafu to Laamu atolls overnight, warning of heavy rain, strong lightning and gusty winds.
Residents in Hulhumalé reported intense thunder and lightning, with power disruptions in parts of Phase I and Phase II. A section of a wall collapsed after a lightning strike near the cemetery, though no injuries were reported.
Officials said the conditions were caused by active cloud systems over the central Indian Ocean, bringing short but intense weather bursts.
Authorities urged the public to remain indoors during storms and advised seafarers to exercise caution due to rough seas.
