Fire engulfs housing ministry building
The fire spread from the housing ministry building to the nearby construction ministry and the Green Building,
A major fire broke out in the building housing the housing ministry at approximately 7:30 am on Thyrsday.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue Service responded to the incident, which has since escalated, affecting neighbouring government facilities.
The fire spread from the housing ministry building to the nearby construction ministry and the Green Building, operated by the environment ministry. Flames visible from outside the building have now subsided, but the fire earlier consumed the entire structure within two hours.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) issued an advisory to mitigate health risks from the smoke. Key precautions include:
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Avoiding smoke-affected areas unless necessary.
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Covering the nose and mouth before entering smoke-affected areas.
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Taking special precautions for individuals with respiratory and heart conditions.
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Closing doors, windows, and other openings to prevent smoke infiltration.
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Seeking medical advice if symptoms such as shortness of breath, severe coughing, or dizziness occur.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has established an emergency evacuation centre at the Social Centre for affected individuals. Residents near the housing ministry have been advised to relocate to the centre or contact the NDMA via 115 for assistance.
The MNDF deployed its largest firefighting vehicles, stationed near the Housing Ministry on Bodothakurufaanu Magu, to combat the fire. Crews are using multiple strategies to suppress the flames, but eyewitness accounts suggest the fire remains difficult to control.
Thick black smoke continues to rise from the fire, obscuring visibility in the vicinity. Ameenee Magu has been closed from Maafannu Stadium to facilitate emergency response operations. Residents have been evacuated to safer locations, including a nearby mosque.
President Mohamed Muizzu visited the site to assess the situation.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Visual evidence from the scene shows the steel and tin components of the building severely damaged. Authorities have confirmed that significant structural and material losses have occurred.
