SHILLONG: A raging fire engulfed Shillong’s Lumshyiap-Chandmari locality on Saturday evening, causing an estimated loss of property amounting to Rs 80-85 lakhs.
Fortunately, here has been no reports of any casualties.
The blaze, suspected to have been ignited by children playing with fire, swiftly engulfed nearby structures, including the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Store where vital pipes were housed.
Prompt response from the Fire and Emergency Services averted further escalation of the catastrophe, with authorities springing into action to contain the blaze.
In a precautionary move, the local administration swiftly cut off power supply to the area until the situation was brought under control.
Speaking on the incident to the press, Lumshyiap’s locality head, Phira Khongphai, lamented the unfortunate turn of events.
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“The fire began around 2 pm, seemingly initiated by juveniles playing recklessly with fire, subsequently spreading to the adjacent PHE Store,” Khongphai told a local web portal.
Executive Engineer of PHE, A Sunn, grimly estimated the financial toll of the disaster, pegging the losses at a staggering 80-85 lakhs.
Sunn pledged to engage in discussions with local authorities regarding the transfer of property ownership, enabling better protective measures such as fencing to be implemented promptly.
In response to the recurrent fire incidents plaguing Shillong, discussions surrounding emergency preparedness and infrastructural fortification have gained traction.
The recent fire in Lumshyiap-Chandmari marks the second major blaze to afflict Shillong within a short span.
Preceding it, the historic Shillong Bar Association building succumbed to flames on February 25, while last October witnessed a devastating blaze that razed a building in Police Bazar, resulting in tragic loss of lives.
In light of the ire incident, discussions on strengthening the state’s emergency response mechanisms and reinforcing infrastructure are anticipated to take centre stage.
