Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh rebuild huts after deadly fire

Reuters | Bangladesh 

Thousands of Rohingya refugees began rebuilding their makeshift homes on Thursday, after a fire ripped through a Bangladeshi refugee camp where they were living earlier this week, killing at least 11.

Monday’s blaze left 339 missings, according to the United Nations, with tens of thousands left without shelter in the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar district, where more than a million Rohingya live after fleeing persecution in their native Myanmar.

On Thursday, families left homeless by the fire built shelters using tarpaulin, ropes and bamboo provided by aid groups.

With critical infrastructure including medical facilities and sanitation systems destroyed, fears are rising about the spread of disease.

“We have to act quickly to rebuild not only homes but the entire infrastructure of damaged areas,” said Snigdha Chakraborty, Bangladesh country manager of aid agency Catholic Relief Services.

“Rebuilding latrines, wells and bathing spaces are crucial to saving lives and preventing disease.

Despite the efforts, many were still without shelter four days on from the fire, in rising heat and humidity.