After three days of intensive firefighting and blowout control operations, authorities have declared the massive fire at ONGC's Mori-5 gas well under substantial control, allowing over 500 evacuated residents from Irusumanda and Mori villages to safely return to their homes. The blaze, which erupted on January 5, 2026, during repair and workover operations, sent flames soaring nearly 20 meters into the air, prompting immediate evacuation and the establishment of relief camps. With the situation now assessed as 90% contained and the risk of escalation deemed remote, the Konaseema district administration has issued an advisory for displaced families to resume normal life, and relief camps are being wound down.

The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), in collaboration with its Crisis Management Team, experts from Delhi and Mumbai, and contractor M/s Deep Industries, has significantly reduced both fire intensity and ambient heat. Noise levels have dropped sharply, and a continuous "water blanket" cooling system has been established at the wellsite. This mechanism enables crews to work safely in close proximity while systematically removing damaged rig components and debris, clearing the path for the final capping of the wellhead. A new approach road constructed from the rear of the site has facilitated the movement of heavy machinery and logistics to ground zero.

ONGC has emphasized that community safety and environmental protection remain top priorities. Continuous monitoring of air quality and nearby water bodies is underway within a 600-meter radius, with no major secondary threats identified. While some localized crop damage to paddy fields and coconut trees has been reported in the immediate vicinity, district officials and the company have assured that compensation assessments will be conducted promptly once the well is fully capped and declared safe.

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The Mori-5 Well, part of ONGC's Rajahmundry Asset, was under a Production Enhancement Contract (PEC) operated by Deep Industries when the incident occurred. The swift containment effort reflects coordinated expertise in managing high-risk blowouts, preventing what could have been a prolonged crisis. A senior district official confirmed steady progress and advised residents to return to their daily routines with confidence.

With residents beginning to return home and operations moving toward final closure, the focus now shifts to complete well capping, thorough site cleanup, and support for affected farmers. The incident underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols during well maintenance in gas-rich regions of Andhra Pradesh while highlighting the effectiveness of rapid response mechanisms in protecting both lives and livelihoods.

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