Five days after a devastating fire swept through the Korail slum in Banani, many of the affected residents are still forced to live under the open sky. The blaze destroyed homes and possessions, leaving families with nowhere to stay and insufficient resources to rebuild.
Despite relief efforts from various organizations, aid has been far from enough. Many families, including children, are sleeping under makeshift shelters made of tarps or thin sheets, struggling to stay warm and fed. Food, clothing, and proper shelter remain scarce, and displaced residents face daily uncertainty.
Some residents had rented rooms or small shelters before the fire, but now landlords are unwilling to accommodate them again without payment. The financial burden of rebuilding homes is overwhelming, and many families are forced to survive day by day in extreme conditions.
One long-time resident, who lost everything in the fire, said that although minimal aid such as blankets and small cash grants has been provided, it is not sufficient to meet their urgent needs. Another affected individual explained that the family now sleeps on the ground under thin sheets, often going without adequate food or warmth at night.
The burnt area is still scattered with the remains of charred tin, bamboo, and wood, a grim reminder of how quickly a fire can wipe out homes and livelihoods. Residents are appealing for immediate government support and larger-scale aid to escape the harsh realities of life after the disaster.
For these families, survival means enduring cold nights outdoors, rationing meager supplies, and coping with the uncertainty of when, or if, they will receive enough assistance to rebuild their lives.