Fire destroys 185 structures in Nomzamo, Strand; relief efforts underway

The Disaster Risk Management (DRM) team has set up a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) in Nomzamo, outside Strand, following a devastating fire that swept through the area.

The City’s Informal Settlement Management reports that the blaze, which occurred yesterday, has destroyed approximately 185 structures.

Authorities are urgently warning residents to stay clear of live wires, and Eskom has been alerted to the hazard.

DRM spokesperson, Sonica Lategan confirmed that volunteer staff from Macassar are on-site assisting with the emergency response.

"The Disaster Risk Management staff will go in to complete a formal assessment. Once this is completed, Disaster Risk Management will forward the list of affected persons to SASSA for relief and assistance going forward."

Lategan added that the City's Solid Waste department will be on site tomorrow to clear the fire debris.

Humanitarian Aid Deployed
Meanwhile, Gift of the Givers’ Ali Sablay says the organisation has provided humanitarian relief to several victims affected by multiple fires across the Western Cape.

Klapmeuts: "The first call came yesterday afternoon from frantic community leaders in Klapmeuts, where one fatality was sadly reported."

Gugulethu: "Our teams were then dispatched to Guguletu, where a fire left 80 people homeless."

Nomzamo, Strand: "Late last night, as strong winds intensified, a major fire swept through the Nomzamo informal settlement in Strand, destroying more than 100 structures and leaving hundreds homeless."