2024 Mulwarwan fire incident

2024 Mulwarwan Fire

Date	14 October 2024 (2024-10-14)
Location	Mulwarwan, Warwan, Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Cause	Unknown
Displaced	95 families (approximately 500 people)
Remote location, severe winter conditions approaching

The Mulwarwan Fire was a destructive fire that occurred on October 14, 2024, in Mulwarwan village, located in Warwan tehsil of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, India. The fire devastated a large portion of the village, destroying 70 houses and displacing 95 families. Approximately 500 people were affected by the incident, which razed most homes to the ground. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Background

Mulwarwan is a remote village situated in the high-altitude Warwan Valley between Kishtwar and Kashmir. The region is characterized by rugged terrain, limited infrastructure, and a harsh climate. The village is accessible only via Margan Top, a route that remains closed for nearly six months of the year due to heavy snow. Most homes in Mulwarwan were constructed of wood, making them particularly vulnerable to fire.

The Fire

The fire broke out on October 14, 2024, rapidly spreading through the village due to the wooden construction of most houses. Many residents were away for work when the fire started, leaving women and elderly at home. Local firefighting efforts were severely hindered by the lack of fire tenders and an inadequate water supply. Fire tenders from Kokernag, located in Anantnag district, were eventually dispatched to control the fire. However, by the time they arrived, the fire had already destroyed most of the village.

Despite the extensive property damage, no casualties were reported. The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Relief and recovery efforts

In the aftermath of the fire, district authorities and relief organizations initiated emergency relief measures. The Red Cross provided Rs 5 lakh in immediate assistance, along with tents, bedding, and other essential supplies. NGOs and local organizations, such as Ababeel, also mobilized efforts to support the displaced families. These groups highlighted the need for urgent action, particularly with winter approaching, as the region experiences heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.

Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar, Rajesh Kumar Shavan, led the district administration's response, and essential relief items such as mattresses, blankets, and kitchen sets were distributed. However, the scale of the damage required a more extensive rebuilding effort.

On October 17, 2024, Jammu and Kashmir's chief minister, Omar Abdullah, visited Mulwarwan to assess the damage caused by the fire. During his visit, he expressed condolences to the affected families and pledged both immediate relief and long-term support for rehabilitation efforts. The Chief Minister, who had taken office just a day before, was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma, and senior civil and police officials. Omar Abdullah emphasized the government's commitment to standing by the victims during their time of need.

Challenges

Mulwarwan's remote location and difficult terrain posed significant challenges for rescue and relief efforts. The region lacks basic infrastructure, including fire services, adequate roads, and emergency medical facilities. Previous fires in the region, such as the 2016 fires in nearby Sukhni, Margi, and Chuidraman villages, had prompted promises of better fire preparedness, but these measures were not in place at the time of the 2024 fire.

Local residents and relief organizations estimate that Rs 50 million (Rs 5 crore) will be needed to rebuild the village. The affected families are calling for the construction of prefabricated houses to provide shelter before the onset of winter.

Response

Humanitarian organizations, particularly Ababeel, have taken a lead role in coordinating relief and rebuilding efforts. They have issued appeals for donations and support, focusing on rebuilding homes and restoring livelihoods. The Jammu and Kashmir government has also been called upon to accelerate the release of funds promised to affected families, though as of late October 2024, the announced assistance had not yet been fully distributed.