Family of 4 Orphan Sisters Left Homeless as Fire Destroys Five House | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: A family of four orphan sisters was left homeless on Wednesday afternoon after a devastating blaze ripped through Nowpora in Srinagar, destroying their house along with all dowry items prepared for an upcoming wedding.

Officials said the fire started in the attic of a residential house before rapidly spreading to neighbouring structures. The Fire and Emergency Services received the call at 1:46 PM. An official from the department said that by the time fire tenders reached the spot, three houses were already engulfed in flames. Despite efforts to contain the blaze, five houses were damaged, while several others sustained indirect damage due to water.

Eyewitnesses described dense smoke and frantic attempts by residents to salvage belongings. “The fire was so thick you could hardly breathe. People were running from house to house trying to save whatever they could,” said Bilal Ahmad, a resident.

For the family of orphan sisters, the loss was overwhelming. Their mother said everything had been reduced to ashes, including the dowry collected for her daughter’s wedding. “Everything is gone. Our hopes, our memories, our preparations… nothing is left,” she said, struggling to hold back tears.

Another affected resident spoke of the financial strain now added to their hardship. “We were already managing loans. Now our home is destroyed. Where do we even begin?” he said.

Local volunteers and media personnel were seen on rooftops documenting the incident as firefighters battled the flames. Some residents managed to retrieve a few items, but many suffered total loss.

As the smoke cleared from the neighbourhood, families found themselves in the harsh winter cold without shelter or belongings. Residents have appealed to the administration for urgent relief and rehabilitation support. “This is not only about property; it is our life that has been burnt,” said one of the affected women. (KNO)