Red Crescent to distribute cash contributions after damage assessment

Maldives Red Crescent has revealed that they will be deciding on dispensing the contributions and donations collected as aid for those affected by the chemical warehouse fire on Friday, after thorough assessment of losses incurred.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s “Fala Surukhee” program on Monday night, the organization’s Malé branch Aishath Afaaf revealed that they are carrying out the assessment with collaborative efforts from the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Although the contributed aid is yet to be distributed among the affected, the organization is providing essentials for the families, and assured that they will do everything possible to ensure needs of these families are met.

The damage assessment is being carried out thoroughly by the organization’s emergency response team, to decide how to use the funds received as aid and to identify the best use of it.

Highlighting the challenges being faced in their relief efforts, the organization’s Communication and Partnership Officer Mizy Musthafa stressed that there are currently more things that needs to be improved in the future, than actual challenges.

Some of said issues include blocked crowds getting in the way of those working to provide aid and blocking the way of vehicles carrying essentials for those affected.

Friday’s fire left four warehouses and six houses burned to ashes and hundreds affected, and one dead. It broke out close to 7:30pm following an explosion in a warehouse, crammed with hazardous chemicals. 247 have since been provided temporary shelter at local guesthouses and authorities are working tirelessly to provide essential aid for them, having assured the people that no one has been left homeless and unassisted.