By Mohammed Zonaid
A devastating fire broke out in Camp-1W of Kutupalong Lambashia Refugee Camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, on December 24, 2024, rendering more than 4,000 people homeless. The fire, which began at approximately 12:30 PM, engulfed around 1,000 shelters before being brought under control at 2:00 PM.
Aftermath of the fire incident. Photo credit: Mohammed Zonaid
Zahid Husain, one of the victims whose shelter was destroyed, shared his harrowing experience with RMA. "One of my six-year-old grandchildren, Burhan Uddin, died in the fire. My son, who lived in a nearby shelter with his family of five, the one who got killed is his children. The fire started very close to my shelter, and we couldn't save anything. I was at the market when I heard the news. Later come experience what you can see here. He also mentioned some of my family members are still missing. Two bodies have been taken to the Camp-in-Charge office."
Noor Ahlom, 47, from C-6 Block of Camp-1W, also lost his shelter. "Seven of my family members, including five children, were in the shelter. We barely escaped. The fire started around 12:30 PM, and it was finally brought under control by 2 PM. Losing everything during the winter season is devastating. We need urgent assistance."
Another victim, Hawteza Begum, 35, recounted her ordeal. "I had to leave within seconds with my disabled child, leaving behind my other three children. Two of them have been found, but one is still missing. I hope to find them soon. We desperately need immediate support."
Aftermath of the fire incident. Photo credit: Mohammed Zonaid
The cause of the fire remains unknown. The affected families, now facing harsh winter conditions, urgently require shelter, food, and other basic necessities. The victims have appealed for immediate support to alleviate their suffering while taking with RMA.