Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue Services has launched a special operation; "Operation Hiraas Faas", aiming to inspect the chemical storage facilities in the Maldives. The operation will be conducted with teams of soldiers and police officers from Maldives Police Service (MPS), who will inspect the Greater Male' Region, distributed to ten zones.
The latest information publicised by MNDF indicates that the teams have so far investigated and approved seven storage facilities, seven shops and 35 residential sites. MNDF stated that this initiative will assist in conveniently identifying the places trading chemicals illegally, or storing chemicals such that it disrupts the safety of the public. It also stated that the operation will help to determine the buildings within the Greater Male' Region, which are vulnerable to fire incidents.
In the Greater Male' Region, a total of 285 storage facilities are authorised, with 77 situated in Male' City, 36 located in Hulhumale' and 172 in Thilafushi. Under the operation, MNDF will inspect these facilities to ensure that they have the necessary equipment required to turn off fires.
Operation Hiraas Faas commenced today and is set to conclude on October 15. The operation will be conducted in collaboration with MPS, MNDF Male' Area Command and six government institutions.
According to the Ministry of Defence, a database will be created with the relevant information collected through the operation. The ministry stated that the collected data will be shared with the relevant authorities and measures will also be taken against those storing or trading chemicals illegally.