Hundreds displaced in devastating Durban informal settlement fire
Authorities believe the fire was caused by an imbawula (makeshift heater).
The eThekwini municipality, provincial disaster management teams and Gift of the Givers Foundation are providing emergency aid.
A fire ripped through the Dakota Informal Settlement in Isipingo, KwaZulu-Natal, in the early hours of Tuesday, leaving hundreds of residents homeless.
It destroyed about 200 informal structures and displaced an estimated 300 people.
According to the eThekwini Municipality, emergency services officials and the disaster management teams went to the scene.
City spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said firefighters battled for hours to contain and extinguish the blaze.
According to initial assessments, she added, the fire was likely caused by a burning brazier, commonly known as an imbawula - a makeshift heating and cooking device widely used in informal settlements.
'Remarkably, no injuries or fatalities were reported. In the aftermath, affected residents found temporary refuge with neighbours, relatives, and friends,' said Sisilana.
Meanwhile, onsite humanitarian assistance is being coordinated by the municipality's disaster management directorate in partnership with humanitarian organisation, Gift of the Givers Foundation, Sisilana said.
She added that relief efforts included the distribution of food, blankets, and other essential supplies.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi said the province had also deployed provincial disaster teams to support local teams.
Buthelezi said his department confirmed that the provincial Disaster Management Centre was brought on board shortly after the fire broke out to reinforce response operations and assess the extent of the damage.
'This tragic event underscores the vulnerability of informal settlements to fire disasters, especially during winter. Our teams are on the ground to provide relief and prevent further humanitarian impact,' Buthelezi said.
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation, and further updates will be released as relief operations progress and damage assessments are finalised.
Residents and those who wish to assist with relief efforts are urged to contact the eThekwini Disaster Management Centre or Gift of the Givers Foundation.
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