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Emergency motion filed over fatal fire tragedy

Ahmed Aiham
22 September 2019, MVT 13:53
The large fire devasted families in its wake. Over 400 individuals have registered at relief centres since the Friday fire. PHOTO: HUSSAIN WAHEED / MIHAARU
Ahmed Aiham
22 September 2019, MVT 13:53

Kaashidhoo MP and DRP Leader Abdulla Jabir, on Sunday, submitted an emergency motion over the unprecedented fire incident that wreaked havoc in capital city Male' on Friday evening.

The matter was approved for discussion by a majority vote from 50 lawmakers. The parliament floor has begun discussing the motion.

During the deliberation process, MPs iterated the need for relocation of dangerous materials away from residential areas.

Moreover, the floor highlighted the importance of establishing proper fire safety systems throughout Male'. Lawmakers further expressed concern over Male' based fire and rescue services' insufficient technological capacity. A member of parliament also noted the necessity of a firefighting helicopter.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday revealed that over 400 individuals were displaced and needed assistance following the major fire incident that broke out in Henveiru ward of the capital city .

Lawmakers urged the government to ensure a repeat incidence does not occur again.

A large number of civilian volunteers mobilised and were active throughout and following the incident in relief efforts to provide aid to the displaced individuals.

A 49-year-old woman was reportedly trapped inside her residence. Security forces later discovered her remains.

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) revealed that seven houses and four chemical storage facilities caught ablaze during the incident.

As per The Edition's on-site reporter, a displaced individual stated that he reported a prior chemical leak to the police. However, he claims that no action was taken and that authorities insisted the storage of the combustibles was legal.

Multiple social media posts from the past have surfaced, blaming the state for its inaction over the storage of combustible chemicals in residential areas.

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