Major fire breaks out at Housing Ministry building

A major fire broke out in the building housing the Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development, and the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure on Thursday morning.

The building, located on Ameenee Magu, was heavily engulfed in flames. The building also houses Environment Ministry and an office of Male' City Council to which the fire had also spread. 

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF)’s Fire and Rescue Services undertook efforts to control the fire, assisted by Velana International Airport (VIA)'s Emergency Services Team. 

މި ހާދިސާގައި ހައުސިން މިނިސްޓްރީއާއި އިންފްރާސްޓްރަކްޗަރު މިނިސްޓްރީ ހިންގާ އިމާރާތް ވަނީ ބޭނުންނުކުރެވޭ ވަރަށް އަނދާފައި.

ތަފުސީލު - https://t.co/0sH55VSZmT pic.twitter.com/FsekoQ3JS0

— sun.mv (@sunbrk) December 12, 2024

Police said authorities are undertaking efforts to evacuate individuals residing at neighboring homes. The area has been cordoned off to the public to control traffic.

Videos sent to Sun show smoke visible from Hulhumale’.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu visited the scene of the fire for inspections.

The building which houses the two ministries has burned down beyond use in the fire. Although the fire has mostly been controlled, heavy smoke continues to emit from the scene. 

Authorities have yet to disclose the cause of the fire. 

Efforts are being undertaken to salvage documents and other items that have not been impacted by the fire. Notably, Housing Ministry holds crucial documents including ones related to the ownership of residences in Male' area. 

An emergency evacuation centre has been set up at Social Centre following the fire. Individuals residing at homes in the area have been instructed to evacuate or contact National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) at 115 for assistance.

With smoke affecting a large area of Male', authorities have advised the public to exercise caution including avoiding smoke-affected areas unless necessary.