Fire in Refugee Camp in Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh

Devastating fire in refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, leaves thousands without homes.

On the 5th March 2023, a massive and devastating fire broke out in Kutupalong Balukhali refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

Flames were blazing for approximately 3 hours in camp 11, until the Rohingya refugee Safety Unit Volunteers trained on firefighting, local fire fighters and local authorities managed to contain the fire, later in the afternoon.

The densely packed refugee camps in Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh, are home to more than 1 million Rohingya refugees.

Although no casualties have been reported, there is substantial loss in homes and belongings, as 2,805 homes have been destroyed, 15,926 refugees affected and 5,274 individuals displaced. Over 155 community facilities have been damaged including hospitals, water networks, mosques/maktabs and learning centres.

There is an immediate need for dry food, hot meal support, tarpaulin sheets and shelter materials, water, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, clothing, bedding and mosquito nets. In the long term, provision of shelter and clean water facilities will be required.

Islamic Relief are on the ground and are carrying out a joint needs assessment with partners to plan the medium to long term needs. We have been by the sides of the Rohingya community throughout various crises, beginning in 2008. Find out more about our work here.