Fire Engulfs Homes in Arakan Village

3/19/2010

Kyauktaw: A fire broke out in Kyauk Taw Township in Arakan State and engulfed an entire village, leaving many people homeless, report villagers and a local official.

The fire occurred in Khong Doke Village in Kyauk Taw Township at around 3 pm on 13 March, 2010.

A villager said, "Over 86 families from 83 houses were left homeless after the fire. The victims have received relief from the concerned authority but the aid is very small. The villagers also need material and cash from the government to rebuild their homes."


The fire started in the kitchen of a house when the housemaid was cooking, and quickly spread through the whole village before it could be contained.

"A large of amount of paddy and rice as well as property was lost in the fire, but it is impossible to estimate how much we lost in the fire. I think at least 100 million kyats worth was lost in the fire," he added.

Fires have increased in Arakan State this dry season. On 2 February, 2010, a fire broke out in the town of Min Bya, burning 15 houses and leaving families homeless.

It was also learned that at least one fire has broken out in Sittwe, Maungdaw, Min Bya, Kyauk Taw, Buthidaung, and Rathidaung Townships this dry season.

Ref: Narinjara