Temporary shelter, relief to 133 expat workers affected by fire

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has started providing relief to 133 people affected by the fire that broke out in the area where the second-hand market was located Monday morning.

The fire spread to Male city council's accommodation block and another accommodation block in the area.

MDMA chief executive Hisan Hasan told Atoll Times that 133 people in the city council's accommodation block were being provided temporary shelter at Imaduddin School.

"All but one of them are Bangladeshis. The other is an Indian. We are trying our best to provide them with essential assistance," Hisan said.

Hisan said 133 labourers from Rainbow Construction were among those affected by the fire.

These include, according to Hisaan:

Hisan added that Rainbow's labourers had been moved to other accommodation blocks of the company.

MNDF said one of the two accommodation blocks was burnt beyond use and when troops entered the block, there was no one there.

Police commissioner Mohamed Hameed said on Monday that the police have launched a major investigation to find out the truth behind the recent fire incidents in Male and the islands.