A fire erupted early this morning at the building housing the Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development in Malé. The blaze spread quickly, causing significant damage to the structure and disrupting daily life in the area.
The fire, which began around 07:30 hrs, quickly consumed the building. Thick smoke could be seen billowing from the structure, with flames spreading rapidly across the old building, which includes a wooden deck. The building houses several key government offices, including the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Ministry of Environment, and the Male' City Council. Emergency responders have been working tirelessly to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to neighboring structures.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), along with police and fire services, have been on the scene since the fire was reported. Firefighters from the MNDF Fire and Rescue team, supported by airport fire services, have been battling the flames while also focusing on evacuating people from the area. Despite their efforts, the building has suffered extensive damage.
Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon confirmed that firefighting efforts began at 06:30 hrs, prior to the fire fully escalating. He noted that personnel prioritized evacuating surrounding areas and minimizing risk to nearby residents.
As the fire continues to rage, the surrounding area has been affected by thick smoke. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged residents to take precautions to protect themselves from the smoke. Nearby schools have suspended classes, and some have sent students home due to the hazardous air quality. Authorities have also evacuated residents from nearby buildings, including those near the Maafannu Green Building, where the fire originated.
Cause of the Fire Still Unknown
At this point, the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. Reports from Ministry staff suggest the blaze may have started on the first floor, where staff members were preparing for the day's work. Upon noticing smoke, employees evacuated the building safely. No injuries have been reported, and the efforts to control the fire continue.
Important Records at Risk
One of the offices affected by the fire was the Vital Registration office, which manages essential records for Malé residents, including birth registrations and population data. While authorities are still assessing the full impact of the fire, it is believed that some of these vital records may have been lost in the flames.
The fire at the Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development is a developing situation, with emergency services continuing to battle the blaze. Authorities are focused on minimizing further damage and ensuring the safety of residents. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials are working to determine the full extent of the damage to government records and other affected areas.
The response from local emergency teams has been swift, but the aftermath of this disaster is likely to have lasting effects on the community and government operations in Malé.
