Gov’t Building Fire Brings Three Ministries to a Halt as Health Agency Urges Caution

A devastating fire in a government building in the capital Male’ early Thursday has brought three separate ministries to a halt with public service temporarily suspended.

The building, which houses the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development; the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure; and the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, has been severely damaged, almost beyond use according to authorities.

The Construction Ministry and Infrastructure Ministry and Environment Ministry in separate statements said the fire had crippled their operations and have been forced to suspend public services for now. However, both ministries said they were trying to work out a solution to resume services.

The Housing Ministry meanwhile said it was switching most of its service to a building in the reclaimed suburb, Hulhumale’.

The fire was reported just after sunrise., and the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) had worked for hours before the blaze was finally brought under control.

In response to the emergency, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said it has identified around 50 people in need of assistance following the fire.

NDMA Chief Hisan Hassan told PSM News that it was ready to provide shelter and financial assistance to those in need, adding that rescuers are doing a rapid assessment of the houses around the vicinity of the fire.

“We are trying to see if these people can arrange for temporary shelter on their own. Once clearance is given, we will do the relocation,” Hisan said.

Thick smoke emanating from the fire had spread to large parts of the capital, with the Ministry of Health urging caution.

The Health Ministry has advised to seek immediate medical care immediately if experiencing breathing difficulties or dizziness, adding that people with respiratory and heart conditions would be more vulnerable to the effects of smoke inhalation.

The Ministry has also urged the public to close doors and windows to prevent smoke from entering and to steer clear of smoke-affected areas unless absolutely necessary.

According to authorities, despite the severe damage to the building, no one was hurt in the incident.