Massive fire destroys over 9,600 homes in Bangladesh Rohingya refugee camp

A massive blaze has burned down more than 9,600 homes and shops at Balukhali Rohingya refugee camp in Ukhiya of Cox’s Bazar district.

Residents have reported the deaths of at least two children in the fire that burnt for over five hours on Monday, but there has been no confirmation about the casualties from the authorities.

Jamal Hossain Lulu, a Rohingya community leader of A-2 block of Camp No. 9 said the fire devastated all the homes in his block.

He said two children died in the fire, adding that the number of casualties was “bigger”, but could not give details.

Seven units of Fire Service and Civil Defence, army, the police, Armed Police Battalion and local volunteers brought the fire under control around 9:15pm, said Atiqur Rahman, a superintendent of police at APBn.

He said the fire caused huge damage, but could not confirm the casualties.

Anwar Hossain, deputy inspector general of police for Chattogram Range, said he had heard about a number of casualties, but he could not confirm.

He said more than 9,600 homes, shops and other structures were devastated by the fire.

It will be possible to assess the damage and casualties when the situation is fully under control, the DIG added.

The fire originated at Camp No. 8-W around 4pm and spread to camps No. 8-H, 9 and 10, said Mohammad Shamsu Douza, additional commissioner of refugee, relief and repatriation.

It swept through the closely placed shanties fast due to heavy wind.

He also said the residents of the camps were evacuated to avoid casualties.

Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mamunur Rashid and Superintendent of Police Md Hasanuzzaman were among top officials who visited the site.

Doctors and Cox’s Bazar General Hospital and Ukhiya Upazila Health Complex said no person injured in the fire took treatment at the facilities.

The authorities have not determines the cause of the fire.