Male' City blaze controlled, no reported injuries

Almost a year after the largest fire incident in capital Male' tore through a narrow street resulting in one death and displacing hundreds, a new blaze broke out in Henveiru Ward on Friday night, which saw a two-storey building completely destroyed.

The blaze, reported to the authorities at 2143 hrs, broke out in a cafe' on the ring road Boduthakurufaanu Magu and spread to the neighbouring Gadhagey Mohamedfulhu Building where State Bank of India (SBI) is located.

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)'s Fire and Rescue Service controlled the blaze within two hours, in a joint effort with Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL)'s Rescue and Fire Fighting team.

Speaking to local media PSM, Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi, who appeared on site, explained that there was a delay in accessing the top floors of Gadhagey Mohamedfulhu Building due to the strict security measures in place, which required firefighters to use heavy machinery.

MNDF revealed that suppressing the blaze with firefighting foam was challenging as the blaze had engulfed the highest storeys of the building.

Military personnel inspected the affected buildings after the blaze was brought under control, confirming that no individuals were harmed in the incident. Authorities had evacuated all the residences in the area as soon as they arrived on site after the initial report.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Vice President Faisal Naseem and Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla also visited the scene of the accident to inspect the damages.

Speaking to reporters, President Solih stated that he had received no reports of any individuals that were affected by the fire, adding that National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have made arrangements in case any victims required assistance.

Chief Executive of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Hisan Hassan confirmed that efforts were underway to convert Kalaafaanu School to be used as a temporary shelter if necessary.

Although 95 percent of the fire has now been extinguished, the blaze has yet to be put out completely.

The repetition of a major fire incident in Male' City has raised several concerns amongst the public, with citizens echoing the need for decentralisation to reduce fire hazards in the congested capital.