COLOMBO, May 22 (Xinhua) -- The Maldives Police Service on Wednesday urged the public not to travel to uninhabited islands and sandbanks for picnics, or go swimming in the sea, as severe monsoon rains persist across the country.
The Maldives Metrological Service issued alerts on the same day warning of heavy rains, strong winds, and extremely rough seas. The police advised people against undertaking boat travel, unless in the case of necessary, given the rainy weather conditions.
Police have urged to exercise safety precautions and avoid traveling on small vessels if people need to travel between the islands.
Maldives usually see rain during June and July, at the start of the rainy season, locally known as the Hulhangu monsoon. ■