Gaamagu Café fire: Four families remain in temporary shelters

10 people affected by a massive fire that burned down a building in the Henveiru district of Male’ last week remain in temporary shelters, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The fire broke out at Noohimeri, located in the busy Sosun Magu of Male’ City, at around 2:47 pm on Monday. The ground and first floors of the building houses the Gaamagu Café, while the two upper floors house accommodation blocks for expatriate workers. The fire originated from the café’s kitchen, located on the first floor.

The NDMA said the fire affected 57 people; 37 Maldivians and 20 expatriate workers.

A spokesperson from the NDMA told Sun on Sunday that 10 people from four families remain in temporary shelters.

The expatriate workers affected by the fire were handed over to their sponsors, said the spokesperson.

Made of tin and wood, the building was quickly engulfed in flames, and the fire spread to the adjacent residential building.

Firefighters managed to put out the fire at around 04:30 pm.

Two people were taken to the ADK Hospital for smoke inhalation; a 30-year-old woman of foreign nationality and a 48-year-old woman of Maldivian nationality. Both women were discharged following treatment.

The building was damaged beyond repair and was demolished.