Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Approximately 450 persons displaced as fire rips through Masiphumelele informal settlement

Approximately 450 persons are displaced following a fire that broke out in Masiphumelele on Monday.

‘’An emergency call was received at approximately 04:30… of structures alight. The first arriving Officer from Kommetjie Road saw the extent of the fire and called for additional resources,’’ said Jermaine Carelse, City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue Service.

COURTESY: Facebook - Nathanael Hunter Cronje


Carelse said the fire was extinguished at 11:50, with no fatalities or injuries reported.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) said approximately 82 structures have been affected, with approximately 450 persons displaced – ‘’registration of all affected persons is ongoing, in collaboration with the City’s Informal Settlements Management Department,’’ said Sonica Lategan, DRMC spokesperson.

She added that one person sustained injuries, while animal welfare organisations, SPCA and TEARS, were on site too, to attend to an injured dog. In terms of City infrastructure, six toilets and electrical infrastructure were damaged.

Electricity in the surrounding areas has been re-connected, while the fire site had been secured. The City's Solid Waste Department began with mop up operations on Tuesday morning. 

‘’The National Human Settlement department will be providing building materials to the affected homeowners, while the Western Cape Department of Social Development has committed to provide psychosocial support to those in need, from 27 December 2024.’’

‘’The City's humanitarian relief partners, Gift of the Givers, Living Hope and Islamic Relief, will provide hot meals for seven days (breakfast, lunch and supper).  Gift of the Givers will further provide blankets, mattresses, clothing, baby packs, school uniforms and stationery.  Food parcels will be provided after structures have been rebuilt,’’ added Sonica Lategan, DRMC spokesperson.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

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