DAMAK, A devastating fire that ravaged through refugee camps in eastern Nepal’s Beldangi on Tuesday, has left hundreds of refugees from Bhutan homeless. Although, there has been no reported serious injuries or casualties.
“This fire is a huge disaster and our thoughts and sympathy are with all those who have been affected,” said Mr. Stephane Jaquemet, UNHCR Representative, confirming that all efforts are being made to urgently provide emergency relief to those rendered homeless.
The fire spread rapidly and destroyed over hundred makeshift bamboo and wooden huts built closely together. Two fire engines from Damak were used to put out the fire as personnel from the Armed Police Force and the refugees struggled for several hours.
The District Office of Jhapa is coordinating immediate emergency assistance, while UNHCR has stated that it is distributing ready-to-eat food, blankets, and tarpaulins for shelter.
Every year hundreds of refugees become homeless due to fire in the camps. This happens mostly during the dry season as the building and roofing materials of the huts are mostly wooden and bamboo which makes them vulnerable to fire. The police are still trying to find what caused the fire to spread on this occasion.