"Meghalaya: Fire Ravages SOS Children's Village Home in Ri Bhoi, 80% Destroyed"

A massive fire broke out late Tuesday night at the SOS Children’s Village near Lad Umsaw in Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi district, leaving one residential building extensively damaged. Officials confirmed that the blaze destroyed approximately 80 percent of the structure before emergency responders managed to contain it.

The Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) acted swiftly to prevent the flames from spreading to other homes within the children’s village complex. Their prompt response played a critical role in safeguarding the rest of the facility, which provides care and shelter for children in need. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident, according to authorities.

Initial findings from the Ri Bhoi Police suggest that the fire may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit. The affected building, a 25-year-old wooden structure primarily built from timber and planks, was highly susceptible to fire, contributing to the rapid spread of the flames. Investigators have found no signs of foul play and believe the fire to be accidental in nature, based on their preliminary investigation.

"Fire has been doused by timely intervention of F&ES," the Ri Bhoi Police confirmed in a statement shared on their official Facebook page. The department also used the occasion to raise awareness about fire safety, signing off their post with the message: "Help Us To Help You!"

The destroyed building was one of several homes within the SOS Children’s Village in Ri Bhoi, which is part of a global network of villages operated by SOS Children’s Villages International. The organisation is dedicated to supporting children who have lost parental care or are at risk of losing it. Each home in the village typically houses a group of children under the care of an SOS mother or caregiver, aiming to create a nurturing family-like environment.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and among the staff and children of the SOS Village. While relief is widespread over the absence of injuries, the destruction of a home has left a significant emotional and logistical impact. Local authorities and village administrators are now focused on assessing the extent of the damage and determining the next steps for reconstruction and rehabilitation of the affected children and staff.

Community members, local leaders, and welfare organisations have begun expressing solidarity and offering support. Some have pledged donations, while others have offered help in the form of essential supplies and temporary housing arrangements.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of wooden structures and the importance of regular safety audits in residential institutions. As the SOS Children’s Village begins the process of recovery, authorities are likely to implement additional safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.