Fri. Nov 22nd, 2024

500 Houses Burn Down, 40 Killed in India Fire

gfa_indiafire

gfa_indiafire
A massive fire devastated a community in Tripura, India, taking 40 lives and destroying approximately 500 houses. The dead were mostly children and the elderly.

“Five hundred houses were burned down accidentally when a flame of fire from the nearby Jhum cultivation fell on them during midday,” reported a woman from a Gospel for Asia-supported congregation.

The fire occurred at a refugee camp for tribal people. Most of the approximately 3,000 families who live there make their livelihood through agriculture, practicing a form of cultivation that involves cutting down forested areas so they can dry the leaves of the plants and trees. Usually during the second week of March, they burn the deforested areas and fertilize them in preparation for planting. Most of the tribes people rely on this practice to earn their livelihoods because they have no other means to meet their basic needs.

The month of March brings a lot of wind to Tripura. While people were burning a deforested area, sparks got on a house and, due to the high wind, the flames spread rapidly from house to house. The homes in the camp are made of bamboo and straw, so they were no match for the fire.

The flames devoured possessions, including furniture and electronics, and killed many domestic animals such as pigs, ducks, chickens and goats.

“One could hear in the entire area sounds of howling, screaming, shouts of cries. Babies burned to death in the fire. Grandparents were burned alive on their sleeping cots. Some were half-burnt and ran away to the jungles,” wrote a GFA correspondent in Tripura.

People are mourning the loss of their loved ones and property. The anguish caused by this devastation even drove some people to commit suicide.

Six Gospel for Asia-supported churches, situated at various points of the relief camp, serve more than 150 families there. Ninety-two of these families lost their homes and possessions, escaping with only the clothes on their back. They are currently living at two nearby schools.

Gospel for Asia staff in Tripura request prayers on behalf of the community. Please pray for the following:

   â€¢   God’s provision of the people’s basic needs—in particular, food and clothing.
   â€¢   God to use the government, churches and other organizations to help in a timely manner.
   â€¢   Divine comfort for those mourning the deaths of family or friends.
   â€¢   Many to put their trust in the Lord.

Related Post

Leave a Reply

Related Podcasts

More News
When Was Hell Prepared?
When Was Hell Prepared?
What Is Spiritual Warfare?
What Is Spiritual Warfare?
The Greatest Spiritual War for the Future Is the Past, Present and Future
The Greatest Spiritual War for the Future Is the Past, Present and Future
Tucker Carlson Shares His Testimony: ‘I Was Mauled by a Demon’
Tucker Carlson Shares His Testimony: ‘I Was Mauled by a Demon’
Mike Signorelli Talks Demonic Possession, Oppression and Generational Curses
Mike Signorelli Talks Demonic Possession, Oppression and Generational Curses
A Night of Unity at Christ Church: Arabs and Jews Worship Jesus Together in Jerusalem
A Night of Unity at Christ Church: Arabs and Jews Worship Jesus Together in Jerusalem
Amanda Grace, Faith Leaders Host Prayer Night for the Trump Family
Amanda Grace, Faith Leaders Host Prayer Night for the Trump Family
Is Fear Stopping You from Fulfilling God’s Purpose in Your Life?
Is Fear Stopping You from Fulfilling God’s Purpose in Your Life?
Isaiah Saldivar’s Remarkable Message: ‘I Hear Chains Breaking’
Isaiah Saldivar’s Remarkable Message: ‘I Hear Chains Breaking’
Greg Locke: How Biblical Generosity Transforms Lives
Greg Locke: How Biblical Generosity Transforms Lives
previous arrow
next arrow
Shadow

Latest Videos

Copy link