Nongpoh, March 6: A forest owned by the Catholic Missionary, known as ‘Rympei Arrupe Jesuit Novitiate’ located at Mawsohroh in Mawlyndep, Ri Bhoi District, was engulfed in flames allegedly set by unknown individuals.
The incident occurred around 5:00 PM on Tuesday, with the fire intensifying around 7:00 PM in the evening.
However, the blaze was extinguished due to the relentless efforts of resident brothers undergoing training at the Rympei Arrupe Jesuit Novitiate. They rushed to the affected area and used tree leaves to douse the flames.
According to the brothers, the fire was set by unknown individuals at the lower part of the forest, gradually spreading upwards, resulting in massive flames.
They also informed that the fires may have been ignited in the afternoon, eventually reaching the forest’s apex by evening, nearly engulfing the entire area.
Ri Bhoi District journalists, who were covering news nearby, immediately alerted the Umiam Police Station upon seeing the towering flames.
Subsequently, the Fire Emergency Service from Umiam arrived at the scene to assist in extinguishing the fire. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident.
