A massive fire that began at a chemical warehouse at Henveiru Thilafushi building in Male’ on Friday night has caused the death of one person.

The fire was reported at 7:26pm on Friday, but MNDF vehicles had initially struggled to enter the area due to the parked vehicles.

While authorities rescued almost everyone caught in the fire, 46-year-old Aishath Shauna died in her apartment. Her body had been found with severe burns on 60% of her body.

MNDF stated that a total of four warehouses, filled with flammable objects, had caught on fire, which had resulted in the massive blaze, and that the fire spread to seven buildings in the vicinity, causing heavy damages.

12 vehicles had been active in controlling the fire, which has become the worst such incident in the capital city in recent history.

200 people have been given temporarily shelter at Kalaafaanu School and the government has decided to provide financial support to the victims.

The cabinet has held an emergency meeting to discuss the future course of action, including supporting the victims, and preventing further incidents by moving warehouses with dangerous material away from residential areas.