One of the firefighters from the Wokha Fire Station has been reported missing while fighting a huge wildfire near the Vankhosung Helipad in Wokha, Nagaland.
The missing person has been identified as Sub-Inspector M. Pentick Konyak, who was among the group of personnel trying to contain the quickly spreading fire.
Search efforts have been heightened to find Konyak, with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, home guards, civil defense officials, the Defense Forces, and volunteers from Wokha village all collaborating. The authorities are on alert, and any further information on his location is awaited.
The fire, which erupted on March 17 on the boundary of Humtso village in Wokha district, remains on the rampage thanks to heavy winds. The blaze started around 10 AM, according to reports, which was allegedly due to jhum cultivation—a slash-and-burn agricultural practice followed by indigenous farmers.
By March 18, the fire had progressed towards Yikhum village and is currently advancing towards coffee and rubber plantations in Wokha village. If it goes on at its current rate, the damage can be extensive, threatening agricultural lands and local homes.
Officials are working hard to contain the blaze and mitigate further destruction. Such measures entail sending fire brigades, coordinating with residents, and calling in extra resources to restore control.
