Overview
- Nearly 40 thatched houses in Sarlanka/Sarlankapalle, Kakinada district, were destroyed in an early-morning blaze, with no casualties reported.
- More than 100 people were displaced as police and fire teams contained the flames and authorities began damage assessments.
- Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ordered Rs 25,000 for each affected family, temporary shelter and food, and the sanction of new houses.
- Officials are setting up special camps to replace Aadhaar and other documents lost in the fire and are directing rehabilitation efforts.
- Investigators are reviewing conflicting early accounts, with a police official citing a likely electrical short circuit and some reports suggesting a gas leak, while the opposition sought Rs 1 lakh ex-gratia.