National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has said 41 people were temporarily evacuated following a fire due to gas cylinder explosion at a house in Male', with an adjacent building also damaged.

The incident began at Dhoogasvilla, where a gas cylinder exploded and a fire broke out, NDMA said.

The two-storey building housed 15 expatriates in five rooms. All 15 were safely evacuated.

The adjacent five-storey building, Dhoogas 1, also sustained damage. The building's water supply was cut off, and 26 people, including 20 Maldivians and six expatriates are being assisted by NDMA.

The agency's emergency management team is at the scene and is providing temporary shelter and other essential assistance to those affected. Expatriates have been advised to contact their sponsors to arrange further assistance.

Four people were injured in the fire and are being treated at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). Two are in the intensive care unit, one is in the emergency room and another is being treated in a ward.

NDMA said three Indians and one Sri Lankan are among those receiving treatment for burn injuries.