Four people, including three children, have died after a fire destroyed homes in Parsi-Parlo, a remote village in Kurung Kumey district, Arunachal Pradesh.
The fire broke out at around 2.30 am and spread quickly through the settlement, destroying at least 24 homes. The victims were identified as a woman and her three children. Her husband was reported missing, raising concerns that the death toll could increase.
Local sources told AsiaNews that the fire began in one house before spreading to nearby buildings. At least 19 homes were completely destroyed, while five others were partly damaged.
The cause has not yet been officially confirmed. Initial reports suggest the fire may have started in a kitchen, possibly because of an electrical fault or a stove that had been left burning.
The village is in a remote area near the border with China. Residents have no local fire station, and the nearest fire engine is reportedly based in Koloriang, about 38 kilometres away. By the time emergency vehicles reached the settlement, the fire had already spread.
District officials travelled to the village to oversee relief work and assess the damage. Many families have been left without homes and are in urgent need of shelter, food and clothing.
Parsi-Parlo has a sizeable Catholic community and is home to St Thomas Church, which serves as a mission centre under Koloriang parish in the Diocese of Itanagar. According to the diocesan website, around 1,000 Catholics live in the area, spread across 14 mission stations in nearby villages.
The Catholic Church has developed its pastoral and educational work in the region over several years. Bishop John Thomas Kattrukudiyil first visited the village on 17 December 2018. Following the visit, plans were made to establish a primary school, which opened in 2019.
The local mission is served by priests and sisters from the Franciscan Clarist Congregation. Its institutions include St Thomas School and St Alphonsa Convent. Father Naveen Kumar Madanu is the parish priest, assisted by Father Elexicius Kerketta.
The fire has raised concerns about the limited emergency services available to people living in isolated communities. The distance from the nearest fire station meant help could not reach Parsi-Parlo quickly enough to prevent extensive damage.
There has been no official statement from the Diocese of Itanagar about the incident or details of any assistance being organised by the Church. However, the local Catholic community is among those affected by the tragedy.
For families who have lost relatives and homes, immediate support will be essential. Longer-term assistance will also be needed to rebuild the damaged houses and help residents recover from the disaster.
The tragedy has highlighted the risks faced by remote settlements where limited emergency infrastructure can make fires and other disasters especially difficult to contain.
Source: AsiaNews.
