The situation is gradually returning to normal after a fire broke out at a hotel near the shores of Rara Lake on Wednesday night. Authorities and emergency responders have worked to contain the blaze, ensuring that no further damage occurs in the area. Efforts are ongoing to restore normalcy, and local officials remain vigilant in monitoring the aftermath of the incident. Fortunately, all domestic and international tourists present at the site have been confirmed safe. There have been no reports of casualties, and visitors in the area have been reassured about their well-being. The prompt response from local authorities and security personnel has helped stabilize the situation, allowing tourism activities to resume gradually.
According to Achyut Raj Acharya, Information Officer and Police Inspector at the District Police Office, the fire broke out at the ‘Danphe’ Hotel, operated by Gopal Bam. During the fire, a gas cylinder exploded, causing five houses to burn down completely. He stated, “Four wooden houses and one house made of stone and mud were destroyed by the fire.”
Hotel owner Gopal Bam and cook Jagat Thapa sustained minor injuries while trying to extinguish the fire, as confirmed by Inspector Acharya. They were promptly taken to a nearby health facility, where they are currently receiving medical care. Fortunately, their injuries are not life-threatening, and they are expected to recover soon. Their swift and courageous response in attempting to control the blaze helped prevent further destruction. Authorities have acknowledged their bravery and efforts, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in emergency situations.
The fire resulted in the complete destruction of five houses, leaving no belongings salvageable. Residents lost all their possessions, including household items, valuables, and essential documents. The extent of the damage has left many families displaced, and local authorities are working to provide immediate relief. Emergency responders and community members are assisting in assessing the damage and supporting those affected. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and officials are urging residents to exercise caution to prevent similar incidents in the future.
During the incident, a total of 79 tourists were present in the affected area. Soldiers from the Hanuman Dhwaj Battalion, who were stationed for security purposes, acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all visitors. Their prompt response led to the successful evacuation of all tourists, preventing any casualties or harm. The immediate action taken by the security forces played a crucial role in managing the situation effectively and maintaining order amid the crisis.
As the situation unfolded, a coordinated response team comprising personnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force was dispatched to the site during the night. Despite the challenging conditions, they worked tirelessly to control and extinguish the fire. Their combined efforts and dedication ensured that the blaze was brought under control before it could cause further damage in rara. The quick and efficient response demonstrated the preparedness and commitment of Nepal’s security forces in handling emergencies, reinforcing their role in safeguarding both locals and tourists in critical situations.
Upon being informed about the incident, Chief District Officer Kamal Prasad Pandey, along with Deputy Superintendent of Police Saroj Giri and their team, promptly traveled from the district headquarters in Gamgadhi to Rara to assess the situation. Their immediate response aimed to coordinate efforts in managing the crisis and ensuring the safety of the affected area. Authorities prioritized swift action to contain the fire and prevent further damage, emphasizing the importance of a well-coordinated emergency response.
In addition to the officials’ deployment, security personnel stationed at Talcha Airport were also mobilized to support fire control efforts. According to Inspector Acharya, these personnel played a crucial role in assisting the response team, working diligently to contain the flames. Their involvement highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts between local law enforcement and stationed security forces in mitigating disasters. The prompt intervention of authorities and security forces demonstrated a coordinated approach to managing emergencies in remote areas like Rara, where immediate resources are often limited.
