Fire almost destroyed Goldhap camp (Breaking News 9:30 PM)

Kathmandu, March 01: Fire that broke out in Goldhap camp, where the exiled Bhutanese have been taking shelter for the last 17 years, gutted at least 1,000 huts on Saturday evening.

According to Dharmendra Bhattarai, a local reporter for Pathivara FM, the fire broke out at around 6:45 pm has not been controlled by the time this report was filed.

Saranarthi Sarokar, a radio program jointly run by Pathivara FM and Bhutan News Service, ran live reporting from the camp where at least five people have gone missing.

Despite the efforts of four fire engines, dozens of armed police personnel and local residents, fire could not come under control.

A large number of ambulances have been ferrying injured children and women for further treatment in local hospitals.

Pushpa Acharya, an exiled Bhutanese told Bhutan News Service that most part of the camp has been destroyed in southern side. However, the ration go-down and school buildings remain safe.   

The camp has 10,000 population and 1,400 huts. Detail of the damage is awaited. Bhutan News Service