Two three-storey residential houses belonging to two real brothers were gutted in a massive fire in the remote Arai Moriyan area of Mandi tehsil in Poonch district, officials and locals said.
The fire broke out in the house of Ghulam Din, a daily wager with the Forest Department, and quickly spread to the adjoining house of his brother, Abdul Qayoom Tantrey, a Forest Guard. Owing to the wooden structure of both buildings, the flames engulfed the houses within minutes, leaving no time for any salvage.
All household goods, valuables and fodder stored for livestock were reduced to ashes, causing losses estimated to run into crores of rupees. Despite the efforts of local residents, the blaze could not be brought under control due to its intensity and shortage of water.
Residents alleged that a Fire and Emergency Services vehicle could not reach the spot owing to poor road connectivity, which further aggravated the damage. Both families have been rendered homeless and are currently taking shelter in the open along with their children.
Meanwhile, MLA Haveli Ajaz Ahmed Jan visited the affected village and met the victims. He expressed sympathy with the families and assured them of immediate assistance. The legislator said the issue would be taken up with senior authorities to ensure government relief and rehabilitation, in addition to extending personal support to help the families rebuild their homes. (Agencies)
