Massive Forest Fire in Mizoram: 12 Houses Burned Down

Forest Fire in Mizoram: Amidst the ongoing pandemic crisis in the country, a massive wildfire has spread in the southern hills of Mizoram. The fire has continuously been burning since the night of April 24.

The wildfire started in the Lunglei district of Mizoram and has further spread to Lawngtlai and other adjoining areas. Although there have not been any casualties reported for injured persons till now, the wildlife has suffered many evident injuries. Many burned animals have crawled out of the burning forest to protect themselves.

Numerous wildfires in different parts of Mizoram razed several settlements across the states. No casualties reported as of the moment. Keep us in your prayers!@PMOIndia @HMOIndia
2/3 pic.twitter.com/Afkd0B7ylM

— Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) April 25, 2021

To make matters worse, there is currently a huge scarcity of rainfall and water in Lunglei and its adjoining areas. The dry weather of the areas makes it easier for the wildfire to spread. With the help of the Border Security Force and Assam Rifles, both the Aizawl and Lunglei Fire and Emergency Services have worked to douse the spreading wildfire. According to the latest information, a total of 12 houses have burned down in Bungtlang South. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

We pray for safety of all from #ForestFire in & around #Lunglei, #Mizoram.

Take care #Mizoram.@ZoramthangaCM @MzSRLM @MizoramGovernor @dipr_mizoram pic.twitter.com/Iwt9rSvLIw

— My Home India (@MyHomeIndia) April 25, 2021

After appeals from the state’s Chief Minister Zoramthanga on April 25 to the Indian Air Force (IAF) for help, the IAF has confirmed that they will be deploying two Mi-17V5 helicopters equipped with Bambi Bucket to douse the fire in Lunglei and neighbouring areas. The IAF helicopters reportedly landed on Lunglei on the morning of April 26.

On the requisition of the State Government of Mizoram, @IAF_MCC is deploying two Mi-17V5 helicopters, equipped with Bambi Bucket, to douse the major fire in Lunglei district and adjoining areas.@SpokespersonMoD @dipr_mizoram @PIBAizawl @ZoramthangaCM @CMOMizoram pic.twitter.com/Opm5qgUBmh

— PRO Shillong, Ministry of Defence (@proshillong) April 25, 2021

The Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh gave his condolences to the Mizos and expressed his sympathy for the current situation that is taking place during the pandemic on Twitter. “My prayers goes out to the people of Mizoram for this devastating loss amidst the pandemic” he tweeted.

Saddened to see the wildfire at Lunglei District in Mizoram. My prayers goes out to the people of Mizoram for this devastating loss amidst the pandemic. I believe the situation will be brought under control soon under Hon’ble CM @ZoramthangaCM Ji’s supervision.
@PMOIndia

— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) April 25, 2021

Pictures of exhausted volunteers and firefighters with burned hands who have been providing their service tirelessly to the situation have surfaced through the local media that touched the hearts of many. Many locals have also expressed their anger and resentment towards the inefficiency of the country’s mainstream media outlets and the lack of coverage when it comes to North-East states.

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) of Lunglei, Mizoram stated that there will be an intense investigation on the cause of the wildfire. The authority also said that any person linked to the case after the investigation will be tied with a criminal case.