UKHIYA, Cox’s Bazar, Feb 13, (V7N) – A devastating fire at the Balukhali Rohingya camp in Ukhiya early Friday left one woman dead and at least 40 huts burnt, leaving thousands of displaced Rohingya in dire conditions under the open sky.

The deceased was identified as Sona Banu, a Rohingya woman who sustained critical injuries during a stampede as residents rushed to escape the flames, according to camp sources. She later died on the spot.

The fire broke out around 3:00 am in blocks E-5 and E-14 of Balukhali Camp-11, triggering panic among sleeping residents as the flames spread rapidly in the middle of the night. Witnesses said people ran in all directions to save their lives, leading to chaos and injuries.

On receiving the information, several units of the Fire Service rushed to the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control within an hour.

Initial reports suggest that the fire might have originated from the office of an NGO forum located in the E-14 block, although the exact cause is yet to be confirmed as an investigation is underway.

Ukhia Fire Service Station Master Dollar Tripura said that around 40 huts were damaged in the incident.

Camp representatives said a large number of Rohingya families have been rendered homeless following the fire and are currently living in extremely difficult and inhuman conditions without adequate shelter.

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