A massive fire in Male City has destroyed the Ministry of Urban Planning and Housing Development and caused significant damage to the adjacent Environment Ministry building. According to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue Service, the fire began in the Housing Ministry building during the early hours of Thursday and quickly spread to nearby structures.

The fire caused extensive damage, completely burning the Housing Ministry office to the ground and severely impacting the Environment Ministry building. The incident has led to major service interruptions, as operations in both ministries have been halted. Authorities also evacuated the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.

Fire and rescue teams battled the blaze for over four hours before bringing it under control. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu visited the site during the firefighting efforts, demonstrating his support and concern for the situation.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and an investigation is currently underway. Authorities have assured the public that further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

This devastating incident underscores the importance of stringent fire safety measures in urban areas and has prompted calls for improved emergency preparedness in government facilities.