A fire has broken out at the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development, prompting an immediate response from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue Service.

According to initial reports, the fire is affecting the section of the building that faces Ameenee Magu.

Emergency response teams are currently on site working to contain and extinguish the fire. The MNDF has deployed firefighting personnel and equipment to the scene.

The fire has spread to Green Building as well.

Maldives Police Service has reported that the police and Fire and Rescue service are working to evacuate people from houses in the area, and the area has been closed to general traffic.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu also arrived at the scene, accompanied by the Minister of Defence, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon. Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla has also arrived at the scene.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged the public to practice caution and wear masks if they need to go out in the vicinity of the fire. National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has set up an emergency evacuation centre at Social Centre, and have advised the public to call 115 immediately if any assistance is required.

Reports from the scene indicate that heavy smoke has engulfed the entire area. Due to extensive security perimeters and the building's large size, the exact location of the fire within the structure remains difficult to determine.

The fire reportedly originated on the first floor of the tin building on the westernmost side of the complex. Initial reports suggest the building was empty when the fire started, with ministry staff indicating the incident began between 6:30 a.m. and 6:45 a.m.