The fire that broke out at the Hiyaa Tower 5 on Friday resulted in damages to utility lines in 38 apartments, says Housing Development Corporation (HDC), adding that it is expected to take a week to repair the damage.
The fire was reported to the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue Service at 06:33 pm Friday.
According to the MNDF, the fire originated from an air conditioning system’s outdoor unit in the air shaft between ninth and 14th floor of the building.
Hiyaa Tower 5, where a fire broke out on the 24th floor on January 30, 2026. (Sun Photo)
It resulted in extensive damages to the utility lines.
A spokesperson from the HDC told Sun on Saturday that the fire resulted in damages to the sewer lines, water lines, and AC outdoor units in 38 apartments.
We are currently working on the clean-up, said the spokesperson.
According to HDC, the repair work is expected to take a week.
Earlier on Saturday, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said that 85 people living in 18 apartments have been moved to temporary shelters following the fire.
People are evacuated after a fire breaks out at Hiyaa 5 on January 30, 2026. (Photo/NDMA)
The NDMA has asked people affected by the fire to reach out to the authority through its emergency hotline 115.
Located in Hulhumale’ Phase II, the Hiyaa towers is a sprawling public housing project that houses thousands of people. Several fire incidents have taken place at the towers over the years.