A massive fire broke out early Thursday morning in the building that houses the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development, and the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure, causing significant devastation. The fire, which started in the multi-purpose structure located on Ameenee Magu, quickly spread to adjacent buildings, including the Green Building that houses the Ministry of Environment, leaving extensive damage in its wake.
The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF)’s Fire and Rescue Services led the efforts to control the blaze, with critical support from the Velana International Airport (VIA) Emergency Services Team. Despite their combined efforts, the fire ravaged the building housing the two ministries, rendering it completely unusable. Heavy smoke continues to rise from the scene even as the fire has been largely subdued.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the fire. Efforts are ongoing to salvage critical documents and items from the ruins. Among these are ownership records and other essential files managed by the Housing Ministry, which are vital for property administration in Male’.
Adding to the severity of the situation, the Male’ City Council’s office, which also occupies the affected building, suffered damage. Emergency services have set up a temporary evacuation center at the Social Centre to accommodate individuals displaced by the fire. Residents in nearby homes have been instructed to evacuate as a precaution and contact the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) via hotline 115 for further assistance.
This incident marks a major disruption in governmental operations, particularly for ministries dealing with housing, land, and urban development. The loss of crucial documents and operational facilities is expected to have far-reaching implications, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive recovery and response strategy.
