More than half of Mathkilhi to ashes; greatest damage in 15 years

Mathikilhi Society states more than half of Mathikilhi Eco Garden in Addu City’s Meedhoo was reduced to ashes in the fire that broke out on the premises on Wednesday, adding it marks the greatest damage to Mathikilhi ecosystem in 15 years.

The fire at Mathikilhi Eco Garden started at approximately 11:40am on Wednesday.

According to Mathikilhi Society, approximately 60 percent of the Mathikilhi’s green field was reduced to ashes in the fire. The Society said they expect the grass field to recover in about six months, however, it will take years to restore the Kandofishi high vegetation line.

In this regard, the Society detailed that the densely grown fragrant screw pine trees (Maakashikeyo) and sea hibiscus trees (Dhiggaa), which provide nests for birds like the grey heron and temporary habitats for migratory birds, have been destroyed for multiple years in Wednesday's fire.

The fire marked the greatest damage to Mathikilhi ecosystem in 15 years, added the Society.

Speaking with Sun regarding the incident, Addu City Council’s Meedhoo constituency Councilor Aminath Solih confirmed that no one was injured in the incident.

A major fire was also recorded at Mathikilhi back in January of this year.