Friday, May 24th, at 10:30 AM. As people struggled with the intense heat in the Rohingya camp in Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, a fire broke out at the Caritas shelter office in Thaingkhali Camp No. 13. Panic ensued as people rushed to save their belongings, accumulated little by little since their arrival from Myanmar.
 
The fire service began efforts to control the blaze immediately. Eight units joined the operation one by one. Despite their strenuous efforts, the flames were finally subdued, but not before the dreams of thousands of Rohingya were reduced to ashes. Now, thousands are left without shelter under the open sky. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
 
According to the incident report from the camp, the fire damaged 430 shelters, of which 210 were completely destroyed, leaving 4,000 people homeless. Additionally, 220 houses were damaged and 45 shops were burnt down.
 
Ati Chakma, Deputy Assistant Director of Cox's Bazar Fire Service and Civil Defense, stated that the fire has been brought under control. "We started working immediately after receiving the news at 10:30 AM. Eight fire service teams worked to control the blaze, where over 200 shelters were burned."
 
Rohingya residents said, "When the fire suddenly started from the Caritas office, we ran to safety. Our homes were burned down. We are now under the open sky."
 
Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mizanur Rahman mentioned that effective measures will be taken in coordination with various development organizations.
 
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