Cause of refugee camp fire unclear
The Thai Forestry Commission considers it unlikely that the fire in the Karen refugee camp on Friday was caused by forest fires. Witnesses say they saw glowing ash that fell on the roof of a hut, causing it to catch fire. But Staatsbosbeheer says it has not received any reports of forest fires in the vicinity of the camp. Police believe the fire was human-caused.
Relief efforts are now underway. UNHCR officials are preparing food and soldiers from the Armed Forces Development Command have set up field kitchens at Khun Yuam's town hall. The Ministry of Health has sent teams to contain the spread of malaria in the refugee emergency shelters. Psychiatrists and a team responsible for hygiene in the emergency shelter have also been deployed.
The death toll has risen to 37: 21 men and 16 women; ten are children. The last victim died yesterday in a hospital in Chiang Mai. Of the 115 injured, 19 are seriously injured. The fire destroyed 400 huts and left 2.300 refugees of the 3.000 living in the camp homeless. The plan is to rebuild the burned-down part of the camp in the same place.
In the picture, Karen attend a prayer service in memory of the dead. The bodies will be buried today.
(Source: Bangkok Post, March 25, 2013)
My thoughts and sympathy go out to all those affected and their loved ones. I wish them strength and strength and hope they are well guided and helped.