M. Nirufehi garage fire: over MVR 90,000 spent in relief efforts

So far, more than MVR 90,000 has been spent in relief efforts in connection with the tragic fire that broke out inside a house in Maafannu-ward of the congested capital Malé City around 12:30 am Thursday.

This was revealed by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

As such, 35 Maldivians were evacuated from four buildings in connection with the fire incident.

Out of 33 expatriates registered by the authority, 28 had been living in the building where the fire broke out.

NDMA went on to reveal that the individuals affected include seven children.

29 individuals from six buildings deemed unsafe have been placed in guesthouses for temporary shelter, of whom 15 are Maldivians and 14 are expatriates. These include six Maldivian children.

NDMA added that 19 individuals who lost their shelter in connection with the fire, have been provided shelter by their employers.

Under the first phase of the humanitarian assistance provided to those affected by the fire, assistance has been provided for a five-day period. As such, MVR 33,500 was spent for shelter, MVR 19,000 for clothing, MVR 29,000 for food and MVR 2,633 for the procurement of hygiene kits and operational expenses, the total exceeding MVR 90,000.

Further, authorities revealed that the Maldives Red Crescent and the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services is collaborating to provide psychosocial support for those affected.

NDMA is also conducting damage assessment works at the buildings affected by the fire, currently.

The tragic fire incident took the lives of 10. The fire broke out inside a garage on the ground floor of Nirufehi house in Maafannu ward near the Maaveyo Mosque.

It didn’t take long for the fire to spread throughout the entire building, according to authorities.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) dispatched a fire and rescue team to the location immediately. MNDF revealed that they received reports of the fire at around 12:30am on Thursday.

The fire was extinguished by 90 percent, by 03:56am and was completely doused at around 04:34am.

Two injured individuals were initially found inside the building after the fire was extinguished. They were rushed to the hospital in an ambulance.

Eye witnesses report that the smoke from the blaze had spread across a vast region.

Residents of nearby buildings were evacuated due to the intensity of the blaze and some individuals were treated after being affected by the smoke. A team of NDMA was also active at the scene, to provide assistance for those severely affected by the smoke.

Mostly expatriates were affected by the smoke. A lot of expatriates are to have been residing in the building where the fire broke out. The garage is located on the ground floor and the first floor of the building houses migrant workers. 12 expatriates were living in the garage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and authorities are yet to clarify the extent of the damages.

One of the two individuals taken to the hospital succumbed to injuries, with the other person still in critical condition.

Bodies found inside the residence were taken to the mortuary, where they will be kept until further action.

14 individuals were rescued from the building.

MNDF revealed that some of the victims were burned beyond recognition.