Muslim refugee camp catches fire in Pauk Taw, over 3 thousand become homeless

A massive fire broke out in the Muslim refugee camp of Kyin Ni Byint under Pauk Taw township, a few miles east of Sittwe, last evening that rendered more than 3,000 people homeless.

According to a reliable source the incident took place at around 5:30 pm and it damaged 150 houses and 35 dormitories in the Kyin Ni Byint IPD camp.

The fire is understood to start from the kitchen of U Lalia’s family in the camp as they were cooking rice and curries.

Aung Kyaw Tun, in charge of the camp, informed that the fire rapidly spread to nearby houses. After hours of struggle, the fire could be doused at 9 pm.

Besides the damage of houses and dormitories, a large volume of rice grains was also burnt in the fire.

Now turned homeless,  3710 people of the camp are now taking shelter in the schools and acquisition buildings.

U Lalia’s family has already left the place, fearing arrest by the police.

The responsible government officials visited the place last night. They are expected to come again.

More than 7,000 Muslim refugees are living in the camp, which was opened after the communal conflict in Rakhine State during the year 2012.