Hundreds displaced as fire rips through Phillipi informal settlement

Disaster relief organisation, Gift of the Givers, are assisting those who were affected by Sunday’s fire that broke out at the Mangaung Informal Settlement in Philippi.

COURTESY: CoCT

The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service said they were alerted to a fire just before 3a.m in Mvubu Road.

‘’A fire which swept through an area in Philippi earlier this morning left hundreds of residents displaced, however there were no injuries or fatalities reported. The City’s Fire & Rescue Service was alerted at approximately 02:45 of informal structures alight in Mvubu Road, Philippi,’’ said Jermaine Carelse, City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson.

‘’A total of 13 firefighting resources were on scene with over 40 firefighters battling the blaze that was fanned by a very strong wind. By 08:40, firefighters managed to contain and extinguish the fire. Our initial estimate is the fire destroyed over 100 informal structures, leaving more than 400 persons displaced. The cause of the fire yet to be determined and Law Enforcement was deployed to ensure crowd control,’’ he added.

COURTESY: CoCT

Giving an update on Monday, Gift of the Givers project manager, Ali Sablay, says over 200 shacks were affected, with about 400 people displaced.

‘’Our teams are extending our humanitarian distribution, today, with hot meals, blankets, mattresses, toiletries, baby care packs. The National Human Settlements have arrived as the main concern for these residents is having a roof over the head.’’

‘’We are awaiting the final figure for those displaced, where the National Human Settlements Departments will be supplying building kits. The Provincial Department of Health will also assist those needing chronic medication. Debris is being removed, so basic services – such as water and electricity – can be restored,’’ added Sablay.

COURTESY: CoCT

He says Gift of the Givers will be on the ground for the next few days.

 

Done by: Mitchum George