A major gas leak and fire at ONGC’s Mori-5 drilling site in Irusumanda village, Malikipuram mandal, Konaseema district, Andhra Pradesh, has been largely brought under control following intensive operations, officials said on Tuesday. The incident, which erupted on Monday, saw flames rising up to 100 feet, triggering the evacuation of over 550 residents from nearby villages as a precautionary measure.

By Tuesday evening, authorities reported that the fire was 90% contained, with flames reduced to around 50 feet, and experts estimating that it would take another four to five days to fully extinguish the remaining blaze. District Collector Mahesh Kumar Ravirala confirmed that the situation no longer posed an immediate threat to the local population, allowing the evacuated residents from Goodapalli, Irusumanda, and Lakkavaram villages to safely return home.

Efforts to Cap the Blowout

Hundreds of ONGC engineers and technical personnel worked around the clock to bring the well under control. The blowout occurred while drilling at a depth of 2,500 metres, when an explosion caused a sudden gas leak, releasing approximately 40,000 cubic metres of gas. To suppress the flames, four fire tenders along with specialized equipment were deployed at the site.

According to officials, water pipelines were diverted from the Gudavalli irrigation canal to create an umbrella-like spray over the well, helping to cool the site and control the spread of the fire. ONGC teams from Rajamahendravaram and Narsapur were mobilized to reduce pressure inside the well and stabilize operations. A special expert team from Delhi also arrived on site, deploying coolant fluids to further lower temperatures and accelerate containment.

Officials noted that combining water suppression with controlled pressure relief was essential to preventing a further escalation of the blowout. This method, coupled with round-the-clock monitoring and technical expertise, contributed to the successful reduction of the fire.

Relief and Compensation Measures

The state government, led by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, conducted a high-level review on Tuesday to assess the situation. The review included briefings from Chief Secretary K Vijayanand, Home Minister V Anitha, senior police officers, and representatives from the Chief Minister’s Office and other departments.

The government confirmed that relief centres set up for displaced residents had adequate facilities, and officials were instructed to keep residents informed about the real-time situation to prevent panic. Compensation measures were also announced for losses incurred due to the fire, including damage to coconut plantations, other crops, and property in the affected villages.

Collector Ravirala emphasized that the government would support farmers and residents affected by the incident, ensuring timely compensation for agricultural and property losses.

Background and Ongoing Operations

The Mori-5 site is part of ONGC’s extensive exploration and production activities in the Konaseema region. The company confirmed that the blowout occurred during routine drilling and that safety protocols were immediately activated to prevent harm to workers and residents.

The site has seen continuous coolant application, water dousing, and technical adjustments to bring down pressure and control the well. Teams are also monitoring for any potential secondary hazards, including gas leaks and environmental impact on nearby farmland.

State authorities highlighted that the incident, while severe, did not result in casualties, underscoring the effectiveness of rapid evacuation and containment procedures.

Government Oversight and Coordination

Chief Minister Naidu’s office stated that a coordination framework involving ONGC officials, local administration, and emergency response teams had been established to manage the incident. The government’s immediate priorities included:

1. Ensuring public safety by evacuating residents and securing the area.
2. Containing the blowout through technical measures, water spraying, and coolant application.
3. Assessing damage to agricultural lands and properties.
4. Providing compensation for losses incurred by farmers and locals.
5. Monitoring environmental impact and preventing potential secondary hazards.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to maintain transparent communication with residents and emphasized that the state would take full responsibility for addressing losses resulting from the fire.

Current Status

As of Tuesday evening, authorities reported that the flames were largely under control, and ONGC’s containment strategy was progressing effectively. While the fire has not been completely extinguished, technical teams remain on-site, working continuously to cap the well and ensure long-term safety.

The evacuation of 550 residents has been reversed, allowing locals to return home, while relief measures remain in place to support those impacted by the gas blowout.

The incident has prompted ONGC and state authorities to review safety and emergency response protocols, aiming to minimize risks during future drilling operations. The coordinated efforts of ONGC engineers, local administration, and disaster response teams have been credited with preventing a potentially larger catastrophe.

In conclusion, the Mori-5 blowout in Konaseema demonstrates both the inherent risks of hydrocarbon exploration and the importance of rapid, coordinated response. With containment operations ongoing and the majority of the fire under control, authorities remain vigilant, balancing technical efforts with public safety and relief measures. Residents affected by the fire can return to their homes, and compensation is being arranged for agricultural and property losses, marking a significant step in restoring normalcy to the region.