Devastating fire leaves 400 homeless in Hout Bay

A devastating fire in the Imizamo Yethu settlement in Hout Bay, has destroyed numerous structures and displaced residents, prompting a humanitarian response from Gift of the Givers.

The organisation said its teams were alerted to the blaze shortly after 04:00 on Sunday.

Initially, the teams were unable to access the affected area while firefighters worked to bring the fire under control.

Firefighters remained at the scene to deal with the final flare-ups and ensure the area was safe.

The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) said around 400 people have been displaced and about 80 informal structures were destroyed.

Gift of the Givers activates emergency response

Gift of the Givers has activated a humanitarian response to assist residents affected by the fire.

The organisation said hot meals and bottled water had been mobilised immediately to provide support to those impacted.

Working alongside Disaster Management officials and community leaders, its teams are also assessing the damage and determining the immediate needs of affected families.

The assessments will help establish the extent of the destruction and identify what further assistance is required.

Residents face immediate needs after blaze

The fire has left residents facing the challenge of displacement and the loss of homes and belongings.

Gift of the Givers said it remained committed to providing timely humanitarian assistance to those affected.

Further details about the number of structures destroyed, the number of people displaced and the cause of the fire had not yet been confirmed.

The response is continuing as emergency personnel work to secure the affected area and humanitarian teams assess the needs of the community.

No injuries or fatalities have been reported.

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