Indian Experts Assist Maldives in Investigating Ministry Building Fire
The Maldives is working closely with a team of Indian experts to uncover the cause behind the fire that devastated the ‘Tinu’ Building and the adjacent Green Building in Malé last Thursday. These structures housed multiple government offices, including two ministries and a branch of the Malé City Council.
Collaboration with Indian Specialists
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Shujau, confirmed that the Indian team has joined forces with local authorities to investigate the incident. While details remain scarce, their presence signals an effort to leverage international expertise in determining the fire's origin and impact.
Local police initiated investigations immediately after the fire was reported, including a review of CCTV footage. Authorities have appealed to the public for any information that could assist the investigation.
The fire raged for nearly four hours before it was contained, rendering the affected buildings unusable. Offices housed within these structures, including the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Ministry of Environment, have temporarily relocated to Dharubaaruge, a nearby government facility.
Efforts to prevent the fire from spreading were swift, with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), police, and airport fire services working in tandem. Despite these efforts, the extent of the damage has left the government grappling with operational disruptions.
Sequence of Events: What We Know So Far
The fire reportedly began around 7:30 a.m., rapidly engulfing the ageing building with its wooden infrastructure. Emergency responders prioritized evacuating nearby residents and safeguarding neighbouring structures.
Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon stated that firefighting teams began their work at 6:30 a.m., focusing on preventing risks to the surrounding area. Although no injuries were reported, the incident caused significant inconvenience, including school closures and evacuations of nearby homes and businesses.
The fire also posed health risks to nearby residents due to thick smoke blanketing the area. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) advised locals to wear masks and stay indoors to avoid respiratory complications. Schools near the incident suspended classes to ensure student safety.
The Risk to Vital Records
Among the offices affected was the Vital Registration office, which manages critical records such as birth certificates and population data. Preliminary reports suggest some of these records may have been lost. Authorities are currently assessing the damage to determine the extent of the loss.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined. Early reports suggest the blaze may have originated on the building's first floor, where staff were preparing for the workday. The rapid evacuation ensured no casualties, but questions remain about fire safety protocols and building conditions.
The fire has raised concerns about the safety of ageing government buildings and the need for stricter fire safety measures. The disruption caused by this incident highlights the importance of disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in Malé.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on minimizing further disruptions to government operations and ensuring public safety. Residents have been urged to stay informed and cooperate with ongoing inquiries.
Fire Breaks Out at Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development Building in Malé
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.
