A major fire broke out in Kuda village in Dimapur, Nagaland, destroying more than 100 shanties and affecting at least 200 families. Around 10 autorickshaws were also destroyed in the fire, which spread quickly through the densely packed settlement.
The fire started on Kuda Village Lane 10B on Wednesday, September 23, and residents reported a suspected electrical short circuit in the earlier part of the day. According to local reports, a suspected short circuit occurred around 5 am and was brought under control by residents. A second suspected electrical fault around 2 pm is believed to have triggered the big fire.
The densely packed settlement enabled the flames to spread quickly from one structure to another. More than 100 shanties were reported to have been destroyed, so many families were affected. Many of the residents are migrant workers and daily-wage earners who live in the settlement.
The fire also caused massive damage to vehicles used by residents to pay for their daily living. About 10 autorickshaws were also destroyed, adding to the economic loss of families who were already suffering from the destruction of their homes. Local estimates have also indicated that the number of autorickshaws destroyed was lower, which indicates that the final damage assessment is ongoing.
🚨Major fire broke out around at Kuda Village in Dimapur, Nagaland, after a suspected short circuit. More than 100 shanties and around 10 autorickshaws were gutted, affecting at least 200 families pic.twitter.com/MyLVOzqwXP
— The Tatva (@thetatvaindia) September 24, 2026
Firefighters were deployed to the area as the fire spread through the settlement. Seven fire engines were involved in the firefighting operation, including vehicles from the Central Fire Station and Chümoukedima, reports said. Firefighters worked to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.
The densely populated area was also an additional challenge for emergency responders. Cars parked along roads by some people gathered to watch the disturbance prevented fire tenders from getting to the Dhansiri Bridge area, and this could delay their movement in the affected lane.
The suspected cause of the fire is an electrical short circuit, although the exact cause has not been established so far, Fire Department officials say.
There were no casualties in the incident, the reports said. Many of the homes are close together and so casualties were expected, given the size of the fire and the number of homes. Residents were far away from their homes when the fire started, they said, which could have prevented some loss of life.
Shelters, food and other essentials are the immediate concern of most affected families. More than 100 shanties were destroyed, and we know many people lost their household items and valuable possessions along with their homes. Local authorities and community groups will assess the relief needs as the full damage is felt.
Kuda Village is home to many people working in the informal economy, including daily-wage workers and autorickshaw drivers. The destruction of several autorickshaws might affect the income of families beyond the immediate loss of housing.
The incident has also reflected on the vulnerability of densely packed settlements to rapidly spreading fires. Once flames begin to spread, closely built structures, combustible materials and electrical connections make it very difficult for firefighters to contain them.
Damage from the Dimapur fire is still being assessed. More than 100 shanties were destroyed, and at least 200 families were affected, but the final numbers could change when officials finish their assessment.
For now, the major fire at Kuda Village is still a significant incident in Dimapur, and the relief and rehabilitation of affected families would be the immediate task.
