A massive fire broke out on Thursday morning in the building housing the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development, and the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure, located on Ameenee Magu in Male’.

The blaze quickly consumed the structure, leaving it beyond use, and spread to the adjacent Green Building, which houses the Environment Ministry.

The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue Services, supported by the Velana International Airport (VIA) Emergency Services Team, launched extensive efforts to control the fire.

Police confirmed that authorities have been evacuating residents of nearby homes as a precaution, while the area has been sealed off to the public to manage traffic and ensure safety.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu visited the site to assess the situation firsthand.

Regarding the fire, Housing Ministry in a statement confirmed that no staff members were injured and that important documents, particularly those relating to social housing schemes are safe and stored on internet services. 

An emergency evacuation center has been established at the Social Centre to accommodate displaced residents.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has urged those needing assistance to contact their hotline at 115.

Additionally, a precautionary measure, the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has suspended the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) bus services on its Ameenee route. The MTCC has also warned that services on the West Park route may be suspended.

For information regarding bus services, the MTCC has advised the public to contact their hotline, 1650.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and investigations are expected to follow once the site is secured.