On Saturday morning, for more than 32 hours from 7 am, a massive fire has immersed in the forests in the outskirts of Lunglei town, the district headquarters in south-central Mizoram. Soon after, the wildfire rapidly spread towards the neighboring districts Lunglei and Lawngtlai. Many towns and villages have been affected, reported Indian Express.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. No major injuries or casualties have been reported so far.
Kulothungan A, DC, Lunglei district said: “We managed to control a good part of it last evening itself, However, it erupted again this morning and it is still going on. We are trying but the current high winds and dry vegetation are contributing to its spread and making it challenging.”
Later, as per the Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga’s request, the Indian Air Force arranged two Mi-17V5 helicopters, equipped with specialized Bambi Buckets to douse the fire, confirmed Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh to IANS.
Soon after, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India took to his Twitter and extend his support to Mizoram. “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,” he tweeted.
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Ever since January 2021, the Lunglei district fire is the fifth major forest fire in the four northeastern states – Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Mizoram.
Stay tuned to The Live Mirror for more updates.
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