Bangladesh
Teknaf Fire Fire guts 500 houses in Teknaf Rohingya camp
Dhaka, January 14: A terrible fire broke out at the Nayapara Registered Refugee Camp in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar. A block of 552 Rohingya families, including two local houses and a community center, was burnt to ashes. The blaze broke out in the early hours of Thursday (January 14).
The fire service with the help of locals and Rohingyas was able to bring the fire under control by morning. Although no one was killed in the blaze, 20-25 men and women were injured. The injured were given first aid at a local hospital.
According to local sources, a fire broke out in a house in the e-block of the Teknaf Nayapara Registered Refugee Camp around 1.30 pm on Thursday. The fire spread quickly around because of the polythene rice and the fence. Since every house has a gas cylinder, most of it explodes and the fire goes out of control.
Upon receiving the news, Teknaf Fire Service and Rohingyas tried to bring the fire under control. After a long struggle, the fire came under control at dawn.
At least 552 Rohingya houses in the e-block of the Rohingya camp were gutted in the blaze, said Chaidur Rahman, a resident of the affected camp. A UNHCR community center and two nearby houses were also gutted in the blaze. In addition, some more floating huts have been damaged.
The fire is believed to have started from a gas cylinder used by the Rohingya. However, many are speculating that the fire may have been caused by cigarettes or coils.
According to the sources working in the camp area, the Rohingya refugee camp under Nayapara Army Camp, Muchni (Registered) Bikash Mor and the place adjacent to Makraj Mosque, Block-E, Shed No. (975) and House No. 1/2 Rohingya Refugee Md. A terrible fire broke out from Nur Kabir's house. At the moment the shops in Block-E, Block-B, Block-D and B-Block are spread all over the house.
Upon receiving the news, Teknaf and Ukhia Fire Service came to the spot and managed to bring the fire under control in about 3 hours with the help of locals.
Abdul Hannan, in-charge of the Nayapara refugee camp, said it was not yet known how the fire broke out in the early hours of the morning. According to estimates, 552 houses were damaged in the fire. Some shops may have burned down, they are not considered as camp houses. The victims are being provided nutritious food. Efforts are being made to make arrangements for the night in the first place. They will be housed again according to the rules.
