National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has stated that temporary shelters have been provided to 29 victims of the fire incident in Male’ City, and they have been given one-week accommodation arrangements. The fire incident occurred at Maafannu Nirufehige in Male’ on November 10, which caused the death of 10 individuals. Maafannu Stadium was used as the evacuation site after the incident.
NDMA assisted the 29 victims from six households in the affected area, which are 15 Maldivians and 14 foreigners. The victims include six children and accommodation arrangements have been made at five guesthouses. Authorities have provided well over MVR 90,000 in assistance.
NDMA stated the Maldives Red Crescent and the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services are providing mental health treatment for the victims while the authority conducts a damage assessment. Some of the residents living in the affected households are now living with their family and friends. The relevant authorities are closely monitoring their situation and providing assistance.
Furthermore, Maldives Police Service stated that some of the bodies of the victims have yet to be identified. Police also responded to media outlets publishing what they claim to be informed of the deceased by saying that the police service has not yet disclosed any such information. It asked media outlets to take into account the feelings of the victims’ families and to only publicise information after the relevant authorities disclose them. NDMA also urged media outlets to refrain from publishing photos and personal information of the deceased victims.
