MET Office belatedly confirms that it was an earthquake

A surge of public anger engulfed Malé on Monday night as residents indicated sensations of tremors associated with a 6.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the Nicobar Islands in India. The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) first regarded the event as having “no impact” on the Maldives— yet just hours later recognized that tremors had been felt and documented.

The earthquake occurred at 11:41 PM Maldives time last night, originating more than 2,200 kilometers from the capital. Although a tsunami was not produced, people in Malé and Hulhumalé went on social media to share experiences of shaking in their apartments and tall buildings. The MET Office's initial public advisory, however, minimized the occurrence, asserting emphatically that the earthquake presented no danger to the Maldives and did not provide any reasoning for the tremors that many distinctly sensed.

That silence ignited a rapid response on the internet, as people accused the agency of disregarding real-life experiences and not fulfilling its responsibility to communicate clearly during significant events. Critics called for prompt clarification and raised concerns about the lack of localized data or follow-up response despite the escalating concern.

Almost 8 hours later, the MET Office has officially released a statement verifying that its seismometer in GDh. Kaadedhdhoo observed tremor activity around 11:48 PM—shortly after the first quake. The agency confirmed it had received reports of tremors in areas of Malé and Hulhumalé.

Although the confirmation came later than expected, the MET Office insists that the earthquake presents no additional threat to the Maldives.

The event has revived public worries regarding the efficacy of immediate communication from national bodies during natural occurrences. “Recognizing people's emotions is the least one can do,” a user on X (formerly Twitter) commented. “Claiming ‘no impact’ while the earth trembles beneath us simply undermines trust.”

Experts point out that although distant earthquakes of this size seldom result in structural harm in the Maldives, vibrations can still move through the seabed and be sensed in tall or flexible structures. Historical incidents indicate that even slight ground shifts, particularly in the capital's crowded skyscrapers— can incite fear if not swiftly managed by officials.

As of Tuesday morning, there have been no reported injuries or damages. However, the current public discourse focuses less on the earthquake and more on the openness, preparedness, and reaction of the organizations responsible for maintaining public trust in times of uncertainty.