The City of Cape Town is conducting mop-up operations in the Tsepe Tsepe informal settlement in Khayelitsha, after a fire destroyed several homes, leaving more than 500 people destitute yesterday.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management (DRM) spokesperson, Charlotte Powell, confirmed that 180 structures and 552 people have been affected.

“Gift of the Givers is currently providing humanitarian relief. DRM has also reached out to other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) for additional assistance. DRM officials are working with local community leaders and religious organisations to arrange emergency shelter.”

Powell added that DRM has activated Informal Settlement Management and National Human Settlements to coordinate efforts to help affected residents rebuild their homes.

Aid Organisation, Gift of the Givers spokesperson, Ali Sably, says they will remain on the ground to assist all affected.

“We have activated an immediate response and will distribute essential relief items over the next few days. The exact number of people affected is still being assessed at this early stage, as disaster management teams and the community are in the process of registering those impacted.”