Fire devastates family’s house in Ri-Bhoi village

NONGPOH, Feb 27: A devastating fire broke out on Wednesday in Umsmu village of Ri-Bhoi, reducing a family’s home to ashes along with a recently harvested stock of brooms placed near the house.
According to reports, the fire occurred around 2 pm and engulfed the residence of Merrilin Mawlong, a resident of Umsmu village, which falls under the jurisdiction of Umsning police station.
Speaking about the incident, the owner, Mawlong expressed shock at the sudden outbreak of the fire, which took them by complete surprise.
She also suspected possible foul play, suggesting that unknown individuals might have deliberately set fire to dried grass placed near the house.
Mawlong further stated that everything inside the house was completely destroyed, including household belongings, solar power equipment, and the freshly harvested brooms collected just weeks ago from their plantation.
Although no casualties were reported, she lamented the immense loss, stating that losing her home, belongings, and agricultural produce — which had been the family’s primary source of livelihood — was deeply distressing.