Government Building Fire Forces Evacuation of Over 50 Residents in Malé

A massive fire early Thursday morning has led to the devastation of a government building in the southwestern part of Malé and the relocation of over 50 nearby residents. 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, according to authorities.

The fire was reported at approximately 6:30 a.m., and the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has been working to contain the blaze. Despite their efforts, the fire remains uncontrolled, and a significant portion of the Housing Ministry building has been destroyed. Adjacent to the affected building is the ‘Green Building,’ which houses the Environment Ministry.

In response to the emergency, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has initiated the relocation of residents living near the fire to temporary shelters. NDMA Chief Hisan Hassan told PSM News that the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE), also known as the Social Centre, has been converted into an emergency evacuation centre for those displaced by the fire. Hassan stressed the risk of smoke inhalation as a primary reason for the relocation.

Currently, the NDMA is working to transfer approximately 50 residents from the vicinity of the fire to the temporary shelter, according to Hassan. The authority has urged all affected individuals to contact their hotline, 115, for assistance. Residents may need to stay at the shelter for four to six hours, during which they will be provided with food and other essential needs, Hassan added.

The NDMA has also called on relevant authorities to close schools and other government offices in the area due to the heavy smoke emanating from the fire.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu visited the site to oversee the efforts of the FRS and other authorities in containing the fire and relocating affected residents. Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon stated that the primary focus is on containing the fire and ensuring the safety of those in the area. He noted that the direction of the wind posed a significant risk of the fire spreading to residential areas. The Minister also highlighted that the MNDF is utilising all available resources, including fire trucks from the Maldives Airports Company Ltd. (MACL), to combat the blaze.

In a statement, the Housing Ministry assured that no staff members were injured in the incident. The ministry also confirmed that important documents, particularly those related to social housing schemes, are safe as they are stored on internet services.

As a precautionary measure, the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has suspended the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) bus services on its Ameenee route. The MTCC has also warned that services on the West Park route may be suspended. For information regarding bus services, the MTCC has advised the public to contact their hotline, 1650.