DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — A devastating fire in the Korail slum of Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital, has left approximately 1,500 shanties burned or damaged, rendering thousands of residents homeless. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, was brought under control after 16 hours of firefighting efforts, according to Rashed Bin Khalid, an officer from the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defense.
Lt. Col. Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, the fire service's director, confirmed that no casualties were reported despite the extensive damage. Approximately 60,000 families—many of whom are climate refugees—reside in the Korail slum, which spans over 160 acres (65 hectares). The slum is situated adjacent to the affluent Gulshan and Banani neighborhoods and is surrounded by high-rise residential and commercial buildings.
The fire produced heavy smoke that blanketed the area, engulfing the dwellings throughout the night. In the aftermath, many residents who lost their homes searched through the debris, desperately attempting to recover any belongings they could find. Firefighters faced significant challenges in reaching the area due to the narrow alleys typical of slum environments, which hampered their response time.
Dhaka, a sprawling metropolis with a population of 10.2 million as of 2024, is home to numerous slums where individuals from rural regions of Bangladesh migrate in search of better opportunities. Poverty and exploitation often drive these migrations, accompanied by climate-related disasters that further push people towards urban slums. In these areas, residents typically rely on daily labor for survival, engaging in jobs such as rickshaw driving, housemaid services, and cleaning.
This incident highlights the precarious living conditions faced by many in Dhaka's slums, where communal living is often susceptible to fire hazards. The resilience of the affected communities will be tested as they begin to rebuild their lives amidst the destruction. Local authorities and humanitarian organizations may need to step in to assist in recovery efforts and provide support for those adversely affected.
