KATHMANDU: A massive fire broke out in Dovan bazaar, the second-largest trade hub in Taplejung, on Wednesday afternoon. At least 12 houses and shops have been completely destroyed in the incident.
Efforts to extinguish the blaze are ongoing, involving a fire engine from Phungling Municipality, security personnel, and local residents. The fire had not been fully brought under control at the time of reporting, and the cause of the blaze remains unknown.
Preliminary reports confirm that the homes of local residents, including Chandra Prasad Paudel and Dandu Lama, have been completely gutted. Eyewitnesses stated that the fire spread rapidly because most structures in the area, which is situated at the confluence of the Tamor River and Maiwakhola, are built of wood and corrugated metal sheets.
Dovan bazaar has suffered similar disasters in the past. On March 2, 2021, a major fire in the same area destroyed approximately 40 houses. The current incident occurred while the region was experiencing continuous rainfall. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage.
