Massive Blaze Engulfs Dhaka's Korail Slum: 19 Units Battle Water Crisis in 5-Hour Fire

The Korail slum, located near the Mohakhali-Gulshan area of the capital, Dhaka, was engulfed in a massive fire that has been raging for more than five hours as of the time of the report (Tuesday, November 25th).

Korail Slum, near Mohakhali-Gulshan, Dhaka.The fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon, November 25th. A total of 19 fire units were deployed, including water-supplying units, but firefighters were struggling to bring the blaze under control, particularly in the eastern part.

The primary obstacle hindering the firefighting efforts is a severe water crisis. Several additional units were deployed specifically to address this issue.

The slum houses are primarily made of tin, bamboo, and wood, which allowed the fire to spread rapidly ("Daw Daw") through the three-storey structures. Electricity was cut off in the area.

Red Crescent volunteers were actively providing first aid for minor injuries and offering immediate support to those affected. Residents were forced to flee their homes and gathered at Ershad Math (field), salvaging only a few belongings. One resident, Marium, reported only being able to save a freezer from her shanty.

Most residents are low-income workers, including garment workers, rickshaw drivers, hawkers, and day labourers. Many were not home when the fire started in the afternoon.

Residents believe hundreds of houses were set on fire. Locals attempted to help by throwing water from a canal. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.