Over MVR 1.2 million is expected to be spent in relief and recovery efforts for the families affected by the intense fire that broke out in a residential building in Mahchangoalhi-ward of capital Malé City in the early hours of May 27.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) revealed that the total amounts to MVR 1,279,393.8.

The authority’s relief aid and damage assessment report reveals that 34 persons were provided temporary shelter due to the accident, of which 14 persons remain in temporary shelter presently.

A total of MVR 155,000 is expected to be spent within the first 21 days since the accident took place and authorities had spent a total of MVR 141,000 as funds for essential purposes and food.

Further, MVR 46,000 was provided to acquire clothes.

Thus far, a total of MVR 342,000 has been spent for the provision of temporary shelter and relief aid.

The authority has completed the assessment of damages to eight households in connection to the fire, where damage to structure as well as furniture and equipment was assessed. Providing relief to recover from these damages is expected to cost MVR 705,093.80, including the MVR 658,408.80 to be provided in funds for families that have experienced structural damages to their apartments as well as MVR 46,685 for damage to essential equipment and household furniture.

In addition, the authority is also to provide funds for two families who were renting apartments in the building damaged by the fire, for them to find another space to rent. MVR 92,300 has been allocated for this purpose.

A total of MVR 140,000 is also allocated to provide assistance to two families in the reconstruction process.

While the building west of ‘Morning View’ was heavily damaged to unlivable conditions, those living east off the building where the fire seared through were moved back in within hours. Nearby buildings were vacated after the fire broke out.

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) officers were deployed to the region in the early hours of May 27 to extinguish the fire reported to authorities at around 5am. Officers were able to control the fire within an hour.

Minister of Defense and National Security Mariya Ahmed Didi and Malé City Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu arrived at the scene shortly after MNDF officers became active.

In live interview with Raajje TV, Mayor Dr. Muizzu stated that he had listened to the stories of citizens who had been witnesses to the fire breaking out, and noted delays in MNDF response as one of the reasons why the fire had not been controlled swiftly. Dr. Muizzu described the fire as a "small" one, and noted that MNDF had first sent a smaller fire vehicle to the scene initially, 40 to 50 minutes after the fire had first been reported.

While Dr. Muizzu had criticized MNDF for their "delayed" response, Maldives Fire and Rescue Services revealed earlier that they had received reports of the fire at around 5am. Shortly after. Fire and Rescue Services confirmed the fire had been placed under control at around 5:45am, and put out at 6:09am.

The mayor had assured that the city council would be meeting with representatives from MNDF and Fire and Rescue Services to discuss the perceived delays in attending to the fire,