CAPE TOWN, South Africa – After a fire destroyed scores of structures, nearly 400 residents of the Hillview informal settlement near Muizenberg are facing a bleak Christmas.
The fire on Sunday afternoon destroyed approximately 80 structures, and four people were burned but refused to go to the hospital after being assessed on the scene.
A fifth individual had a seizure and was taken to the hospital.
Three firefighters were also burned and were taken to the hospital.
Charlotte Powell, a spokesperson for Disaster Risk Management, stated that assessments are still being conducted.
Humanitarian aid will be provided by Gift of the Givers and SASSA. In addition, officials from the electricity department, informal settlements, water and sanitation, and solid waste management will meet on the scene this morning to assess the fire’s damage.”