Thunderstorms from Kaafu to Laamu prompt caution as Hulhumale' sees lightning strikes and structural damage

Severe thunderstorms swept across parts of the central Maldives on Tuesday night, with Hulhumale' experiencing intense lightning, loud thunder and brief power outages as the Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) issued a yellow alert for the region.

The yellow alert, issued from Kaafu Atoll to Laamu Atoll, was in effect from midnight to 5:00am on Wednesday. The MET Office warned of moderate thunderstorms, strong lightning activity and heavy rain as dense cloud bands moved over the central atolls.

In Hulhumale', residents reported continuous thunder and lightning from early evening, with conditions peaking close to midnight. The severe weather caused power outages in parts of Hulhumale' Phase I and Phase II. The public based media platform MVCrisis shared videos of the lightening caught on camera on its social media handles.

Hulhumalé ge eki sarahahdhuthakah honu elhun.

Ithuru mauloomaathu: https://t.co/o29i3SLBcb https://t.co/u86F4iHHEg pic.twitter.com/malIJtZiy4

— #MvCrisis (@MvCrisis) April 28, 2026

A section of a building wall in Hulhumale' Phase I collapsed after being struck by lightning. The incident occurred near the cemetery, where witnesses said pieces of concrete fell after the strike. No injuries were reported.

Hulhumale' Phase II has been experiencing frequent power‑related issues throughout the month, and tonight’s weather added further strain to the area’s electricity network.

According to the MET Office, the current weather is linked to active convective clouds forming over the central Indian Ocean, bringing short but intense bursts of rain, thunder and lightning.

Authorities have advised the public to remain indoors during lightning episodes and to avoid construction sites, unstable structures and standing water. Seafarers have been urged to exercise caution due to rough seas and sudden gusts.

The Maldives is currently in the southwest monsoon transition period, during which sudden thunderstorms and severe lightning activity are common.