Fire destroys house in Noklak; water shortage hampers firefighting

Morung Express NewsNoklak | October 18A house comprising a kitchen and five rooms was completely gutted in a fire at Danlepdong Colony, Noklak, on the evening of October 17. The fire reportedly broke out between 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm.The family members were reportedly at a neighbour’s house when the incident occurred and were alerted to the fire.Neighbours rushed to the scene to assist, followed by personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services. Assam Rifles personnel later joined the response.Firefighting personnel and others at the scene said water shortage was a major challenge in containing the blaze. Danlepdong Colony, which has around 400 household consumers, has only one water tank, limiting water availability during emergencies.The remains of a house gutted in a fire at Danlepdong Colony, Noklak, on the evening of October 17. The fire destroyed the kitchen and five rooms. (Morung Photo) An electrical short circuit is suspected to have caused the fire, according to a source in the Fire and Emergency Services department.The affected household comprises nine members, including grandparents, parents and four children. Three of the children are students, including one attending college and two studying in Classes V and II.Important documents and school textbooks were also lost in the fire. The property damage is estimated at Rs 40 lakh, according to the family.The family is currently taking shelter in a nearby house of theirs that is still under construction. The District Disaster Management Authority has provided emergency relief to the affected family.