People return to homes neighboring Housing Ministry after blaze

The people who were evacuated from homes neighboring the block of government office buildings that burned down in a massive fire earlier in December have returned to their homes, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The fire broke out at a block of government buildings located in the Ameenee Magu of Male’ City at around 06:00 am on December 12. The two buildings housed the Housing Ministry, Infrastructure Ministry, Environment Ministry, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and two sections of the Male’ City Council – including the Vital Registration Department.

The fire had broken out just ahead of work hours, and did not result in any injuries.

However, it burned two government buildings beyond use, and also affected nearby buildings, with around 50 people initially evacuated from neighboring homes.

The NDMA reported on December 18 that 29 people, including a person with disabilities, evacuated from seven homes remain in temporary shelters; 15 males and 14 females.

A spokesperson from the NDMA told Sun that the last of the people moved to temporary shelters returned to their homes on Saturday.

The three government ministries affected by the fire are currently being run out of the Dharubaaruge, a convention center located in Male’.

The cause of the fire remains unclear, with the Maldives police being assisted in the investigation by a team of experts from India.