Fire Displaces Over 5,500 Residents in Dunoon
More than 5,500 residents have been left homeless following a devastating fire that ripped through the Dunoon informal settlement on Friday, destroying over 1,000 dwellings. This disaster is believed to be the most catastrophic informal settlement blaze in the Western Cape since the infamous Khayelitsha fire of 2013.
The fire erupted amid strong winds, which significantly hampered firefighting efforts. Firefighters on the ground battled valiantly against the flames while helicopters conducted aerial water bombing. Despite their dedication, large sections of the settlement were engulfed in flames, leaving families traumatised and without shelter.
Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder and chairperson of Gift of the Givers, spoke movingly about the heartbreak faced by residents as they returned home to find everything lost. “Residents returning from an honest day of hard work shrieked in disbelief, sobbing, heartbroken as they watched their life’s possessions disintegrate in front of their very eyes,” he lamented.
The emotional toll of the disaster was immense, with “sadness, anxiety and a sense of loss” palpable throughout the community. Sooliman described how many people became “refugees in their own space,” highlighting the deep psychological impact the fire has had on the community.
He also paid tribute to the emergency responders who worked under extreme conditions. “Tribute to the firefighters, disaster management teams, helicopter pilots, emergency services and SAPS serving admirably with distinction as committed public servants,” Sooliman stated, recognising the efforts of those who risked their lives during the crisis.
Gift of the Givers mobilised immediately after the fire broke out, providing essential support not only to emergency workers but also to the displaced residents. Sooliman noted, “Gift of the Givers teams were on site immediately the fire commenced, supporting the firefighters with water, energy drinks, energy biscuits and lip ice and being a source of comfort to the residents.”
On the first night of the disaster, the organisation managed to feed 3,000 displaced residents alongside 220 emergency personnel. By the next morning, breakfast for 3,500 people had been provided, with plans in place to offer lunch and supper in the days to come.
In a bid to support the recovery efforts, Sooliman called for national assistance and urged all sectors of society to contribute to rebuilding initiatives. He listed urgently needed donations, including building materials, clothing, linen, non-perishable food, hygiene kits, school uniforms, stationery, sanitary pads, and diapers.
For those looking to help, donations can be delivered to Gift of the Givers’ permanent office at Cavendish Mall, while financial contributions can be made directly to the organisation for ongoing relief operations in Dunoon.
Meanwhile, authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage as humanitarian support efforts ramp up for thousands of displaced residents. The community stands at a crossroads, grappling with the aftermath of a disaster that has left them in dire need of assistance and rebuilding.
As the flames of destruction fade, the spirit of resilience and unity within the affected community shines through, underscoring the urgent need for combined efforts to recover from this heartbreaking loss.
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