News
‘Everything Is Gone’: Fires in Imizamo Yethu and Masiphumelele Leave Hundreds Homeless
Two devastating fires in separate Cape Town informal settlements have destroyed at least 160 structures, leaving hundreds of people homeless.
The fires tore through Imizamo Yethu on Saturday afternoon and Masiphumelele in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Masiphumelele
At approximately 1:30 am on Sunday, the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services were alerted to a blaze in Masiphumelele.
A team of 31 firefighters, supported by five fire engines and three water tankers, was dispatched.
“The fire spread into the reeds next to the informal settlement, but by 05:30 the fire was contained,” said spokesperson Frank Forbay.
No injuries were reported. The cause remains unknown.
The Aftermath
City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Sonia Lategan said an assessment in the WZ Section in Masiphumelele has been concluded.
Preliminary indications:
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Approximately 80 structures damaged
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About 203 people affected
Services on site include Disaster Risk Management, Informal Settlements Management, the Electricity Department, and the SPCA.
“DRM will also request assistance from SASSA, Solid Waste, Home Affairs and the Department of Social Development. Electrical poles and boxes were damaged.”
Humanitarian relief organisations Living Hope and Gift of the Givers provided hygiene packs and hot meals to affected residents.
Imizamo Yethu
The Masiphumelele fire followed a major blaze in Imizamo Yethu on Saturday afternoon.
About 60 firefighters were deployed, but the operation proved difficult as crews battled strong winds and faced interference from some community membersprompting incident commanders to call for assistance from law enforcement.
The blaze was eventually brought under control at about 6 pm.
No injuries were reported. The cause is unknown.
The Bottom Line
Two fires. Two communities. Hundreds homeless.
In Imizamo Yethu, 60 firefighters fought wind and interference. In Masiphumelele, 203 people lost their homes.
The fires are out. But the recovery is just beginningand for those who lost everything, the road ahead is long.
{Source: Citizen}
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