For over 40 hours, a forest fire has been raging in the hills of South Mizoram reaching towns and homes of two neighboring districts, Lunglei and Lawngtlai.
Aid came from the Indian Air Force when two Mi-17V5 helicopters were deployed by them on Sunday to bring the fire under control. As of now, the Assam Rifles and Border Security Force personnel with the help of firefighters from the state government are working on the ground to put out the raging blaze. The local people are also extending a helping hand.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took stock of the situation while speaking to Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga and extended all possible support from the Centre and wished for the well-being of the people of the state.
As per IE, the fire reportedly broke out at 7 am on Saturday in the forested hills near Lunglei town. In just a single day, the fire not only affected 10 village council areas within Lunglei town, but also spread to three rural development blocks of Lawngtlai district.
“The fire in localities such as Zotlang, Serkawn, Chanmari in Lunglei town reached “some buildings, but could be contained and doused before it caused any major loss to property,” as per a press statement released by DIPR Mizoram.
