Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue Services has concluded its “Operation Hiraas Faas”, an operation carried out to investigate chemical storages. The operation took place from October 1-15. MNDF revealed that it had inspected a total of 144 chemical storages for hazardous chemicals. It disclosed that it collected information on 62 shops selling chemicals and 399 residential buildings where chemical storages were present. 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. MNDF reported that it conducted inspections of these facilities to verify that they are equipped with the essential equipment for extinguishing fires. Additionally, it directed facilities lacking the required fire extinguishing equipment to procure the necessary tools. The operation was conducted in collaboration with MPS, MNDF Male’ Area Command and six government institutions. It was conducted with teams of soldiers and police officers from Maldives Police Service (MPS), inspecting the Greater Male’ Region, distributed to ten zones. 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.