The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) has emphasized the importance of early preparation for the challenges facing the nation's key industries following the onset of a new phase of "El Niño," a natural climate phenomenon.
In a statement, the MET Office noted that El Niño highlights the Maldives' vulnerability to climate change. It stressed that vital sectors such as tourism, fisheries, and agriculture must be prepared for the ongoing environmental shifts.
"These include adverse impacts on agriculture due to changes in rainfall patterns and challenges to the fishing industry caused by shifts in ocean currents and conditions. These factors underscore the high degree of vulnerability the Maldives faces in the presence of climate change," the MET Office stated.
While monitoring the El Niño situation, the office reported that one of the biggest impacts on the Maldives includes threats to coral reef ecosystems due to unusually high sea surface temperatures.
The MET Office forecasts that from September through November, rainfall in the northern and central atolls is expected to be higher than average due to El Niño. Conversely, the southern atolls are projected to receive less rainfall than typical for this period.
Furthermore, temperatures across the entire country are expected to remain higher than average from September to November.
"Looking at the Niño 3.4 index, this measurement rose to 1.8°C during August. Other Niño regions are also showing significantly increasing temperatures. Both oceanic and atmospheric conditions now indicate the active influence of El Niño," the MET Office said.
The office further noted that the strength of El Niño in the Pacific Ocean is currently intensifying. According to the latest data, sea surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific have risen to 2.0°C above average.
Despite these warnings from the MET Office, the government has yet to disclose its policies regarding the El Niño situation. Meanwhile, neighboring countries have already begun implementing various measures to prepare for its impact.
