MVR 19M spent to provide relief aid to victims of fires in five years

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)’s statistics show that the current administration spent MVR 19 million to provide relief aid to victims of fires.

The statistics publicized by the authority on Thursday show significant damages to houses arising from fires in eight islands were recorded this year alone. The islands are; R. Ungoofaru, S. Feydhoo, HDh. Makunudhoo, HDh. Nellaidhoo, S. Hithadhoo, HA. Filladhoo, GDh. Gadhdhoo and AA. Thoddoo.

MVR 1.1 million was provided in relief aid for those impacted with respect to these particular incidents.

NDMA also provided temporary housing, clothes and food for 17 individuals in connection to these incidents.

Fire incidents and damages reported subsequently have increased significantly over the years.

The number of reports made in the past five years;

• 14 fires in 2019
• 8 fires in 2020
• 16 fires in 2021
• 65 fires in 2022
• 31 fires as of June 2023

NDMA has urged the public to take precautionary measures against possible fire incidents by utilizing gas and electricity safely. They also advised to insure households and businesses in addition to expensive goods.