The Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) has been awarded the contract to develop a new building for the Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) at Gan International Airport.

A new MET office is being developed as part of efforts to modernise and strengthen national weather services. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment said the project is a key component of ongoing work to enhance the country’s Early Warning Framework and improve the quality and reliability of weather information provided to the public.

The new facility will strengthen the capacity of Gan International Airport, Addu City, and the southern atolls to deliver more accurate and timely weather information.

MET has previously announced plans to install a weather radar in Addu City. At present, a weather radar is operational in Hulhulé, providing real time monitoring of weather conditions within a radius of approximately 250 kilometres. MET has said that the long term goal is to establish a nationwide radar network through the installation of additional radar systems.

Weather radar technology is widely used in developed countries to monitor atmospheric conditions and provide early warnings for severe weather events.

In addition, MET has decided to establish a new weather observatory in Noonu Maafaru. The facility will be the sixth weather observatory in the Maldives and is expected to play a key role in collecting meteorological data for the northern region.

Currently, weather observatories are located in Haa Dhaalu Hanimaadhoo, Laamu Kadhdhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Kaadedhdhoo, and Seenu Gan. In addition, automated weather stations and weather monitoring systems are operational across 20 islands nationwide.