All holidaymakers and staff escaped unharmed during the blaze at Gili Lankanfushi which started around 11pm local time yesterday (January 2) and is reported to have destroyed seven over-water villas.

According to the Maldives National Defence Force, strong winds at the time allowed the fire to spread quickly through the resort’s thatched-roof properties.

Emergency services put the fire out around 5am with the cause of the blaze not yet known.

Gili Lankanfushi tweeted that all of its guests and staff had been accounted for and were being evacuated from the island with alternative accommodation arranged.

https://twitter.com/jai_ahemd/status/1080550344424181760

"The cause of the incident is not yet known and it is too early to assess the extent of damage however a full investigation will of course be launched soon," the resort said. 

"We will aim to provide a further update about the incident on social media as soon as we can."

Maldivian tourism minister Ali Waheed visited the island after the fire was brought under control.