Cape Town - At least 1 800 people have been left destitute following a fire that broke out in Masiphumelele on Monday.
City officials said the fire in Z-section gutted about 600 structures, affecting an estimated 1 800 people.
No fatalities or injuries were reported, while the SPCA was providing care to six dogs that sustained burn wounds.
Disaster management officer, Sonica Lategan, said the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre was registering all affected persons.
“As at 21:00 (Monday) night, 809 persons had been registered – the process is continuing, with the assistance of the City’s Informal Settlements Management Department.
“Initial assessments indicated infrastructural damage to electrical overhead lines, water taps and toilets.
“Various city departments are on site, including Electricity, Solid Waste Management and Water and Sanitation.
“Law Enforcement and Traffic Services are also on scene,” said Lategan.
Humanitarian assistance was provided by Gift of the Givers, Living Hope, Respond and other NGOs in the form of blankets and food.
A multidisciplinary team including Sassa, Department of Social Development and Human Settlements were considering further options to provide relief to the affected persons.
About 70 firefighters worked to contain and extinguish the blaze in the wetland area of Masiphumelele.
The City’s disaster team said at about 9.40am, firefighters stationed at Kommetjie Road spotted smoke billowing from the area.
When crews responded, they found several informal structures alight.
Project manager at Gift of the Givers, Ali Sablay, said they were assisting with urgent humanitarian needs, including hot meals, water, hygiene packs, blankets and mattresses.
Cape Times