National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) announced Wednesday that the government will cover 20 percent of the damages incurred in the tragic fire incident last Friday.
The raging fire that broke out in a chemical storage facility in Henveiru ward of capital Male' City burnt four warehouses and seven residential buildings, killing one woman and displacing over 400 people. Currently, 300 individuals from 52 households are still in temporary shelters.
According to NDMA's Chief Executive Officer Umar Fikry, the amount of compensation is in line with standard policy, under which the government provides 20 percent of the incurred damages to victims of disaster.
He noted that donations from the public will also be provided to the victims, in addition to the government's compensation.
Umar Fikry further addressed the issue of temporary housing. While the deadline to keep the displaced people in shelters expires coming Saturday, he assured that the victims would not be turned out and that other solutions would be sought.
NDMA's announcement was met with concern, particularly from the victims who lost their homes and belongings in the fire.
Everyting we have built is all destroyed due to the smoke and salt water and witout them doing an assesment , calling us to go to them and fill a form that has no value. 5 days since no one from any authorities checked or visit us to see how we're living, eating or serving.
— Haby Husen (@habyhusen) September 25, 2019
our entire life is gone wit a blink of an eye. Not due to natural cause , Not due to our negligence... but due to the entire system runing this country. There is no love, ampathy or real emotions from anyone who is to take responsibility of this crisis.
— Haby Husen (@habyhusen) September 25, 2019
The public mobilised to provide relief aid for the displaced victims on the night of the fire, donating clothes, food and other items to cover basic needs. NDMA stopped accepting donations later the same night, stating that they had received enough until further notice.