In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday, over 100 sheep lost their lives in a devastating fire that engulfed a cowshed in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the fragility of livelihoods dependent on livestock.
Livestock engulfed in Fire.
The fire broke out at approximately 3:30 AM in the cowshed of Shapian, son of Jamal Din, located in the Rakh Barotian area of Vijaypur tehsil, according to local officials. Eyewitness accounts suggest the blaze spread rapidly, leaving little time for intervention. The fire was reported to authorities, prompting an immediate response from the fire department.
Four fire tenders were dispatched to the scene as soon as the alarm was raised. Firefighters battled the flames, managing to extinguish the blaze swiftly. Despite their best efforts, the fire claimed the lives of over 100 sheep, leaving only a handful of animals alive.
Station House Officer of Vijaypur, Zaheer Mushtaq, confirmed the grim toll, stating, “More than 100 sheep were burnt to death in the fire, while a few could be saved.” The loss has left the affected family devastated, with their primary source of income destroyed. The family of Shapian is among many in the region who rely on livestock for their livelihood. The incident has rendered them vulnerable, as the loss of over 100 sheep represents a significant financial and emotional blow. Tehsildar Sudesh Kumar assured the community, “All possible assistance will be extended to the affected family which has suffered a significant loss.”
Local authorities are working to assess the extent of the damage and provide necessary support, including compensation and resources to rebuild their livelihood. Community members have also rallied around the family, offering emotional and material support during this difficult time.
News of the incident has sparked an outpouring of sympathy and solidarity from the local community. Many have come forward to offer help, whether through financial contributions or volunteering their time to assist the family. Social media platforms have been abuzz with messages of support, as residents urge authorities to expedite relief efforts. “This is a tragic reminder of how vulnerable our livelihoods are to unforeseen disasters. We must work together to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future,” said a local resident.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Preliminary findings suggest that a possible electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze. However, forensic teams are on-site to gather evidence and provide a definitive conclusion. Safety experts have stressed the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of electrical systems in livestock facilities to prevent such tragedies. “Prevention is key. Proper safety measures can save lives and livelihoods,” an official noted.
Leave a Reply