The fire caught at the Vital Registration Office in Malé has caused extensive and irreparable damage, according to Deputy Mayor Ahmed Nareesh. The incident, which occurred earlier today, has severely impacted critical city services and infrastructure.
Speaking to reporters, Deputy Mayor Nareesh confirmed that the fire caught at the Vital Registration Office, a crucial department under the Malé City Council responsible for birth registrations and population data management. He expressed grave concern over the potential loss of vital records, which could significantly affect residents’ access to essential services.
"The damage to the documents could result in the loss of critical population information," Nareesh stated. "Council employees are making every effort to salvage some of the materials from the office."
In response to the crisis, the Vital Registration Office has temporarily relocated its operations to the City Council’s office in Hulhumale'. Services are expected to resume there while recovery and restoration efforts are underway.
The fire also inflicted significant damage on adjacent government offices, including the Ministry of Housing, Land and Structural Development; the Ministry of Construction and Building; the Ministry of Climate Change; and the Ministry of Environment and Energy. The full extent of the damage to these institutions is still being assessed.
Emergency response teams, including the Maldives National Defence Force and airport firefighters, successfully brought the blaze under control after hours of coordinated effort. However, the affected buildings have been left severely damaged, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Authorities are urging patience as they work to restore services and recover critical data. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
Speaking to reporters, Deputy Mayor Nareesh confirmed that the fire caught at the Vital Registration Office, a crucial department under the Malé City Council responsible for birth registrations and population data management. He expressed grave concern over the potential loss of vital records, which could significantly affect residents’ access to essential services.
"The damage to the documents could result in the loss of critical population information," Nareesh stated. "Council employees are making every effort to salvage some of the materials from the office."
In response to the crisis, the Vital Registration Office has temporarily relocated its operations to the City Council’s office in Hulhumale'. Services are expected to resume there while recovery and restoration efforts are underway.
Due to the Fire-break situation in the VITAL and LBD sections, we have made temporary arrangements to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of our VITAL services. Effective immediately, all VITAL services will be operated from our Hulhumale office.
— Malé City Council (@MaleCitymv) December 12, 2024
The fire also inflicted significant damage on adjacent government offices, including the Ministry of Housing, Land and Structural Development; the Ministry of Construction and Building; the Ministry of Climate Change; and the Ministry of Environment and Energy. The full extent of the damage to these institutions is still being assessed.
Emergency response teams, including the Maldives National Defence Force and airport firefighters, successfully brought the blaze under control after hours of coordinated effort. However, the affected buildings have been left severely damaged, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Authorities are urging patience as they work to restore services and recover critical data. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
