Mizoram, April 26: A massive forest fire has broken out in several parts of Mizoram which has now been raging for 32 hours. The fire is rapidly spreading to towns and villages of two neighboring districts, Lunglei and Lawngtlai– which has damaged vast tracts of land and vegetation. Chief Minister Zoramthanga has sought the Centre’s help, an official of the state disaster management and rehabilitation department said on Sunday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had talked to the Mizoram CM Zoramthanga and took stock of the situation arising due to forest fires in parts of the state.
Spoke to Mizoram CM, Mr. Zoramthanga and took stock of the situation arising due to forest fires in parts of the state. Assured all possible support from the Centre in overcoming this crisis. We all pray for the safety and wellbeing of the people of Mizoram. @ZoramthangaCM
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 26, 2021
Taking to Twitter, Manipur Chief Minister N.Biren Singh expressed his sadness over the wildfire at Lunglei District in Mizoram and assured the situation will be brought under control soon.
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
The IAF on Sunday deployed two helicopters equipped with Bambi Bucket to douse the blaze at Lunglei and surrounding areas, the defense ministry said. The firemen were being assisted by Assam Rifles and Border Security Force personnel and local volunteers.
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
CM Zoramthanga thanked Indian Air Force for the help.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart 🙏@IAF_MCC @narendramodi @AmitShah @PrakashJavdekar https://t.co/UoNvNbTmVa pic.twitter.com/HmUN5pgpXp
— Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) April 25, 2021
Numerous wildfire has been reported in the state as the fire started on Saturday in the forested hills and by Sunday it had spread and affected the town and village. However, no human casualty has been reported so far, but detailed reports are yet to come in from the affected districts, the official said.
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
1/3 pic.twitter.com/7ccdjEWERY— Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) April 25, 2021
Also Read: Manipur pays tribute to Anglo-Manipuri war heroes
At least three other districts apart from Lunglei – namely Serchhip, Lawngtlai, and Hnahthial are affected by the forest blaze and firemen have been deployed at several incident sites, as per officials. Lunglei is the worst affected area.
The blaze is mainly in the uninhabited forest area surrounding the town, it has spread to more than 10 village council areas within it. The forest fire is under control, but some of the village councils still remain vulnerable. At least 12 houses were gutted at Bungtlang South village in the district.
