MALE, Maldives — 58 people received emergency assistance after a fire broke out at an apartment building in Malé late Sunday night, while 11 residents were taken to hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation.
The fire erupted on the fourth floor of G. Funfalhu, an apartment building in the Galolhu district near Lonuziyaarai Magu, prompting a large-scale emergency response by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue Service.
According to the MNDF, the Fire and Rescue Service received the emergency call at 10:49 p.m. Firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they worked to contain the blaze and evacuate residents from the building. The fire was brought under control and fully extinguished by 11:48 p.m.
Authorities said 11 people were transported to hospital after being affected by smoke inhalation. No fatalities have been reported.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said it established an emergency evacuation centre to support displaced residents following the incident. The centre has since been closed.
The NDMA said humanitarian assistance has been provided to residents of the three apartments directly affected by the fire, as well as to occupants of other apartments left without water due to damage caused during the firefighting operation. Assistance includes temporary accommodation, food and other essential support.
In total, 58 residents received assistance through the evacuation centre and the authority’s emergency response.
The cause of the fire has not yet been disclosed, and authorities have not announced the extent of the damage to the building. Investigations are expected to continue.
