Funadhoo blaze: Residents warned against collecting rainwater due to smoke, oil particles

Shaviyani Atoll Hospital has urged residents of Sh. Funadhoo to refrain from collecting rainwater following a dangerous fire at a local petrol shed on Sunday, warning that thick smoke and oil particles have dispersed into the atmosphere, posing a high risk of contamination to the current rainfall.

In a formal statement, the hospital advised the public to avoid exposure to the rain and to prioritize safety by staying indoors and avoiding the use of rainwater, which may contain hazardous substances due to the incident.

The fire broke out at the petrol shed located within the residential area of Funadhoo at approximately 7:00am. It took several hours to bring the blaze under control. The incident caused significant damage to nearby residential properties and workshops.

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), buildings in the vicinity sustained varying degrees of structural damage. One residence was reported to be severely affected, and 33 individuals have been relocated to safe temporary housing as a result of the disaster.

Shaviyani Atoll Hospital confirmed that 20 people received medical attention for smoke inhalation. However, no serious injuries were reported, and all patients have been discharged following treatment.