A fire caused by an electric kettle resulted in extensive damage to an apartment in Hulhumale' early this morning.

According to Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), an electric kettle used in the kitchen of a ground-floor flat in Hulhumale' Phase I caught fire at around 4:30 am.

Firefighters responded to the incident and brought the blaze under control by 4:58 am.

Six occupants of the apartment were taken to Hulhumale' Hospital for treatment.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said the family of six is being relocated and is receiving the necessary psychological support.

Photos shared by NDMA on social media showed the apartment had sustained severe damage. The kitchen was extensively damaged, while the living room and household furnishings were also affected by the fire.