Tidal swells may cause flooding in the Maldives next week

Tidal swells may cause flooding across the Maldives on September 28, 29 and 30, the department of meteorology has said.

The alert was issued after the Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) warned of tidal flooding for the Indian coastline next week in connection with the perigean spring tide.

A perigean spring tide or king tide occurs when the new or full moon coincides with the perigree of the moon—the point when the moon is closest to the Earth. A lunar eclipse will be observed on September 28.

Flooding does not always occur when there is perigean spring tide, but it is likely when a storm strikes at the same time as a king tide.

The Maldives has been experiencing a prolonged bout of bad weather in recent weeks, an unusual occurrence for September.

Some 400 passengers were rescued at sea and thunderstorms have damaged property across the country. A seaplane and several speedboats docked at harbors had to be refloated.

In August tidal swells hit the capital city of Malé, causing severe flooding in the northeast side of the city. The area was inundated in more than two feet of water.

Colombo based Foundation for Environment, Climate and Technology (FECT) has predicted above average rainfall in the Maldives up to November due to the ongoing El Nino weather phenomenon.

There has been a marked increase in reports of weather-related damage to property this year.