A large fire has destroyed the only petrol station on Shaviyani Funadhoo and spread to several neighbouring buildings, prompting evacuations and a multi-agency response.
The blaze broke out early on Sunday at the privately operated Faiymini petrol shed near the island harbour. Funadhoo Council President Mohamed Adil said three warehouses were destroyed and the roof of one house caught fire before being extinguished. Nearby properties include five warehouses and four houses.
Residents from affected homes were moved to safety. The National Disaster Management Authority confirmed that at least four houses and five workshops or garages were impacted. Some people received treatment for smoke inhalation at the local hospital, but no life-threatening injuries were reported.
Firefighters from Funadhoo Airport, local police, community volunteers and an MNDF team from Kulhudhuffushi worked to contain the fire. Secondary explosions were heard as fuel burned.
With the island’s sole fuel station gutted, the council said it will work with the government to secure alternative supplies for the roughly 3,500 residents. School operations were also disrupted by smoke.
Investigations into the cause are continuing.