Massive blaze destroys homes and livestock in northern India, leaving community devastated

July 15, 2024

by Aditi Verma

In a tragic turn of events, a massive blaze engulfed a village in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir resulting in the destruction of multiple homes and the loss of several livestock animals.

The incident took place at Yangerhar Wader in Shatigam Rajwar area in Handwara on July 13.

Visuals showed a terrifying blaze swept through a village, engulfing numerous wooden houses in flames and reducing them to ash. Distraught villagers gathered in shock, discussing the heartbreaking sight of their homes ablaze. The intense fire spread rapidly, leaving the community deeply distressed and grappling with significant loss and devastation.

The blaze, which started in the Malik Mohalla locality of Yamler Village, quickly spread to adjoining houses and structures, causing significant damage. The fire’s intensity was heightened by the presence of many wooden houses surrounded by trees and narrow roadways, complicating the firefighting efforts.

Upon receiving reports of the fire, a team of firefighters, assisted by the J&K Police, Army’s 21 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), civil administration, and local residents, rushed to the scene to contain the spread of the flames. Despite their concerted efforts, the fire had already destroyed around a dozen houses and several cowsheds, resulting in the tragic loss of seven cows and other domestic animals.

Visuals of the inferno shared on social media showed towering flames consuming the residential structures, highlighting the scale of the disaster. A senior police official confirmed that one person sustained injuries while helping the emergency teams to combat the blaze.

The firefighting operation continued throughout the night and into the early hours of Sunday morning before the fire was finally brought under control. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

This incident has left the community in shock and mourning, as residents come to terms with the loss of their homes and livestock. The local administration has assured support for the affected families as they begin the arduous process of rebuilding their lives.

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