Delhi (AsiaNews) – Indian Catholics are in mourning following a tragedy in Parsi-Parlo, a hamlet in Kurung Kumey district, in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh (AP), where a sudden fire claimed the lives of four people, including three children.
According to local sources who spoke to AsiaNews, a devastating fire broke out in the early hours of this morning, spreading rapidly through the local settlement.
The flames destroyed at least 24 homes, leaving many families in this remote area, situated near the India-China border, without shelter.
The victims have been identified as a woman and her three underage children. The husband is reportedly still missing, which, according to rescue teams and district officials, raises fears that the tragedy’s death toll may yet get worse, as the number of victims is expected to rise.
The fire reportedly started around 2:30 am in one house and spread quickly to neighbouring dwellings. At least 19 buildings were completely gutted, and five others sustained partial damage (pictured).
The cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined, although preliminary reports suggest it may have originated in a kitchen, potentially due to an electrical short circuit or a stove left on inadvertently.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the vulnerability of remote communities, particularly their lack of essential emergency infrastructure.
Parsi-Parlo has no fire station, and the nearest fire engine is reportedly located in Koloriang, approximately 38 km from the site of the incident.
Due to the distance, firefighting vehicles were unable to reach the settlement in time, as the flames had already spread by the time they arrived.
For their part, district officials have travelled to the affected area to oversee relief and assistance operations, as well as conduct an initial assessment of the material damage to the houses.
An established mission
Parsi-Parlo boasts a significant Catholic presence and is home to St. Thomas Church, a mission centre under the jurisdiction of Koloriang parish in the Diocese of Itanagar.
According to the diocesan website, the Catholic community consists of approximately one thousand people, spread across 14 substations in the surrounding villages. Over the years, the Catholic Church has worked to strengthen its pastoral and educational presence in the area.
Bishop John Thomas Kattrukudiyil visited the village for the first time on 17 December 2018, during a public gathering. Following this visit, a decision was made to establish an elementary school, which opened its doors in 2019.
The mission is served by priests, while the Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC) Sisters also work in the area.
The parish includes St. Thomas School and St. Alphonsa Convent, reflecting the Church’s commitment to education and community development in this remote region.
Father Naveen Kumar Madanu serves as the parish priest, assisted by Father Elexicius Kerketta.
The mission is part of the broader pastoral presence of the Diocese of Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh, where Catholic communities are often scattered across settlements that are hard to reach.
Vulnerable to emergencies
The fire has reignited concerns regarding emergency preparedness in remote border areas, where geographical isolation and inadequate emergency services can turn an incident into a major catastrophe.
For the affected families, the immediate priorities are shelter, food, clothing, and assistance in rebuilding their homes.
The deaths of a mother and three children have added an immense human toll to the destruction.
Consequently, the response from the Catholic community, and any form of assistance organised through the local Church or the Diocese of Itanagar, could become a significant part of the relief efforts, this according to sources.
At present, there has been no official response from the diocese regarding the tragedy, nor are there details concerning any pastoral or material aid already being provided.
Meanwhile, the incident is raising questions about the availability of basic public services in remote settlements, such as fire stations, emergency transport, and rapid-response teams.
For the residents of Parsi-Parlo, recovery will require not only immediate aid but also sustained support to rebuild homes and restore safety to a community devastated by fire.
