A devastating major fire broke out late last night in Saiha, the headquarters of the Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC) in southern Mizoram. The fire broke out around 10:40 PM in the Saiha New Market area from the house of Vanlaltlinga and in a short while the flames completely engulfed 29 houses, most of which were Assam type buildings. About 47 families lost their homes but fortunately there was no loss of precious lives. A fire fighter from the Fire department Zonunsanga, an adult Hrongia and a child Dennis sustained fire injuries.

The District Adminstration under the DC Kunal and his team of officials immediately rushed to the site and oversaw the fire fighting and rescue operations. The prompt response of the Fire Department with invaluable help rendered by the different NGOs in Saiha helped to quell the fires and control its spread in the market area. Today PWD EE N Chhylai visited the area with his team to start work of constructing temporary shelters for the affected 49 families. Heads of various Departments in Saiha, representatives from various NGOs, Village Council representatives and the MADC authorities met at the DC Conference Hall this afternoon to discuss rehabilitation measures for the affected.

MLA of the constituency and Industries Minister S Hiato called on the Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, early this morning to apprise him of the situation and a meeting was held immediately to discuss immediate relief and rehabilitation measures that can be taken. Finance Minister Liansailova, Industries Minister S Hiato, UD & PA Minister Zodintluanga, Disaster Management & Rehabilitation Minister N K Chakma and the Chief Secretary Vanhela Pachuau attended the meeting. After the meeting Ministers S Hiato and Zodintluanga rushed to Saiha.