Hiyaa tower fire: 37 people from seven apartments temporarily sheltered

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has provided temporary shelter to 37 people affected by the fire that broke out at Hiyaa Tower 5 in Hulhumale' Phase 2 last evening.

According to NDMA, those displaced are residents of seven apartments in the tower. The authority has also advised anyone requiring assistance to contact its emergency hotline at 115.

The fire occurred at around 7:00 pm and was reportedly caused by an outdoor air-conditioning unit on the 15th floor of the building. All pipes within the air duct were damaged in the incident. The fire was brought under control shortly after it broke out.

While authorities have yet to release full details of the incident, residents in the area reported seeing thick smoke billowing from the upper floors of the tower. 

Housing Development Corporation (HDC) said it is continuing work to assess and repair damage to the main sewage system of Hiyaa Tower 5 caused by the fire.

Hiyaa towers, which house thousands of residents, have experienced several fire incidents in the past. Concerns have repeatedly been raised over the adequacy of fire safety and protection systems in the high-rise housing complex.