Sarlankapalle fire tragedy: leaders call for immediate relief as 38 homes destroyed

A devastating fire in Sarlankapalle village of Rowthulapudi mandal, Kakinada district, gutted 38 thatched homes, displacing approximately 120 villagers during the Sankranti festival. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held an urgent review with ministers and senior officials to assess relief measures. He described the incident as a “deeply tragic event” and directed authorities to provide comprehensive assistance to all affected families.

Minister for Home Anita and other officials briefed the CM on the relief already underway. According to officials, each affected family will receive immediate financial aid of ₹ 25,000 starting Tuesday. The CM also instructed that new houses be sanctioned for every family that lost their home and that until construction is complete, victims should be provided with temporary accommodation, food, and all necessary support. Special camps will also be organized to replace important documents, including Aadhaar cards, destroyed in the fire. Chandrababu Naidu emphasized that district-level officials and ministers must closely monitor the relief operations to ensure timely assistance.

Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed profound shock over the tragedy. Terming the incident “extremely distressing,” he highlighted the urgent plight of the displaced villagers and urged the government to provide immediate shelter and food. Mr. Jagan demanded an ex-gratia payment of ₹1 lakh to each affected family and called for the sanctioning of new houses. He further stressed that until permanent homes are constructed, victims should receive all necessary assistance, including temporary housing and essential support.