Humanitarian efforts underway after fires in Western Cape communities
Multiple fires devastate WC communities, claiming lives and destroying homes within 24 hours.
Image: Supplied
Emergency teams and humanitarian responders are battling the fallout from a string of fires that tore through several Western Cape communities in the past 24 hours, leaving destruction, displacement and two confirmed deaths.
Disaster Risk Management Centre spokesperson Sonica Lategan said staff are conducting assessments “in various area following a series of fires in the past 24 hours.”
In Nomzamo, a mobile Joint Operations Centre has been activated, with Macassar DRM volunteers assisting with compiling the list of affected residents.
According to the City’s Informal Settlements Management branch, the areas hit in Nomzamo include Freedom Park, Thembeni, Waterstone and Happy Rest, with approximately 185 structures destroyed.
Lategan said the scene remains dangerous. “The area is unsafe due to live wires – Eskom has been informed to address the matter. Once they have been in attendance, DRM will go in to complete the formal assessment.”
Solid Waste crews have already conducted an initial assessment and will return on Sunday to clear debris.
Gift of the Givers has stepped in. “Gift of the Givers have confirmed that they will assist with the immediate humanitarian relief needs,” Lategan said.
Once the full assessment is complete, “DRM will forward the list of affected persons to SASSA for relief and assistance going forward.”
DRM teams are also assessing fires in Fisantekraal, Dunoon and the Barcelona informal settlement in Gugulethu.
Gift of the Givers said it had been “an exceptionally busy 24 hours” as teams scrambled to multiple scenes.
“The first call came yesterday late afternoon from frantic community leaders in Klapmuts, where one fatality was sadly reported.”
“Shortly afterward, teams were dispatched to Gugulethu, where a fire left approximately 80 people homeless.”
The situation worsened overnight. “Late last night, as strong winds intensified, a major fire swept through Nomzamo in Strand, destroying more than 100 structures and leaving hundreds homeless. One fatality has been confirmed, and three individuals have been hospitalised.”
The organisation has launched a full-scale response. “Gift of the Givers has activated a full humanitarian response, with additional resources deployed to Nomzamo at the request of the community.”
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