Funadhoo residents warned against collecting rainwater following fuel shed fire
The fire broke out on Sunday morning and was extinguished by noon through the combined efforts of police officers, firefighters and members of the public.
Residents of Sh. Funadhoo have been advised against collecting rainwater following a fire at a fuel shed near the island's harbour on Sunday, amid concerns that smoke and fuel particles released during the incident may have contaminated rainfall.
Sh. Atoll Hospital, located in Funadhoo, issued the warning after the fire at a privately owned fuel shed sent thick smoke into the air.
The fire broke out on Sunday morning and was extinguished by noon through the combined efforts of police officers, firefighters and members of the public.
Videos circulated on social media showed thick clouds of smoke rising from the site as the fire spread.
With rainfall affecting several parts of the Maldives, including the northern atolls, the hospital warned that collecting and using rainwater in Funadhoo could pose health risks following the incident.
In a public advisory, the hospital said smoke and fuel particles had been released into the atmosphere during the fire.
It warned that rainwater could contain harmful substances as a result of the airborne particles.
The hospital therefore urged residents not to collect rainwater or expose themselves to rainfall as a precaution to protect their health.
The warning follows reports of damage to buildings and property near the harbour, where the fire spread beyond the fuel shed.
Affected properties include a motorcycle and engine repair garage, a warehouse, a vehicle parking garage and a residential house. Several buildings and items of property were damaged beyond repair.
A number of people also required medical treatment following the incident, although no serious injuries were reported.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
