Daijiworld Media Network - Itanagar
Itanagar, Nov 12: Four members of a family, including three children, were killed after a devastating fire destroyed at least 24 houses in Parsi-Parlo town in Arunachal Pradesh’s Kurung Kumey district in the early hours of Thursday, November 12.
The deceased have been identified as Dongda Yanu and her three minor children — sons Dongda Karsang and Dongda Maji, and daughter Dongda Amji. Their husband and father, Dongda Taji, sustained critical injuries and was shifted to Itanagar for treatment, Deputy Commissioner Cheechung Chukhu said.
The fire reportedly broke out around 2 am and quickly spread to neighbouring houses. According to the District Disaster Management Officer, 19 houses were completely gutted, while five others were partially damaged.
The exact cause of the blaze is yet to be established. Preliminary reports suggest that it may have originated in a kitchen. The extent of the damage will be determined after a detailed assessment, Chukhu said.
A team of officials from the district headquarters at Koloriang reached the affected area in the morning to oversee rescue and relief operations. Fire and emergency services personnel, police, trained community volunteers and local residents took part in the efforts.
A relief camp has been established, and relief materials will be distributed to the affected families, the Deputy Commissioner said.
The tragedy has also highlighted the lack of adequate firefighting facilities in the remote town. Parsi-Parlo does not have a fire station, while the fire tender stationed at Koloriang, around 38 km away, reportedly could not reach the affected area in time. The absence of timely firefighting support is believed to have hampered efforts to contain the rapidly spreading flames.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed condolences over the loss of lives and thanked the local administration, police, fire services, emergency responders, volunteers and residents for their efforts. He urged the authorities to ensure all necessary assistance to the affected families.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also expressed deep anguish over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved family. In a social media post, he said the tragedy had caused immense hardship to the affected families and the local community. He called for immediate relief, proper care and all necessary support for those affected.
Meanwhile, the All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) expressed sorrow over the loss of lives. Its president, Jamru Ruja, urged the state government to provide immediate relief and rehabilitation assistance to the affected families.
Ruja also announced that the organisation would organise a donation drive and visit the fire-hit town soon to extend assistance to the victims.