Intense thunderstorms affected areas of central Maldives on Tuesday night, with Hulhumale' facing strong lightning, loud thunder, and short power interruptions as the Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) declared a yellow alert for the area.

The yellow alert, announced from Kaafu Atoll to Laamu Atoll, was in place from midnight until 5:00am on Wednesday. The MET Office cautioned about moderate thunderstorms, intense lightning strikes, and heavy rainfall as thick cloud bands passed over the central atolls.

In Hulhumale', locals observed persistent thunder and lightning from the early evening hours, with the intensity reaching its highest point near midnight. The extreme weather led to power disruptions in sections of Hulhumale' Phase I and II. The media platform MVCrisis shared videos of lightning captured on camera through its social media accounts.

A part of a building wall in Hulhumale' Phase I fell down following a lightning strike. The event took place close to the cemetery, and observers claimed chunks of concrete dropped following the impact. There were no reported injuries.

Hulhumale' Phase II has faced ongoing power-related problems this month, and tonight's weather increased the stress on the area's electricity grid.

As stated by the MET Office, the prevailing weather is associated with active convective clouds developing over the central Indian Ocean, resulting in brief but heavy rainfall, thunder, and lightning.

Officials have recommended that people stay inside during lightning storms and steer clear of construction zones, hazardous buildings, and stagnant water. Sailors have been advised to take care because of turbulent waters and unexpected winds.

The Maldives is presently experiencing the southwest monsoon transition phase, characterized by frequent sudden thunderstorms and intense lightning occurrences.