Aalo (Arunachal Pradesh), Nov. 12: The lush green meadows of Kerang village in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Siang district have turned black after a devastating fire today left 70 families homeless.

The district administration today said a fire broke out around 1.30am at Kerang village in Kaying administrative circle but authorities are unsure about the cause of the blaze as yet.

Leaving aside six houses on the upper and lower reaches of the village, all 70 houses have completely gutted. Although no casualties or injuries have been reported, property damages are estimated to run into crores of rupees, including old tribal artefacts.

Deputy commissioner Pige Ligu has announced 20 quintals of rice and the district disaster management department has provided Rs 4,000 to each family. The administration has also asked the army and ITBP to set up tents for the victims.

Chief minister Nabam Tuki expressed deep concerns over such fire mishaps and appealed to the people to observe extreme caution and take precautionary measures. He has also sought a detailed report on the incident.

Located 37km from the district headquarters of Aalo, the only connection the village has with the outside world is through the lone 100-metre long bamboo bridge, making it impossible for fire tenders to reach the village.