HOMELESS IN THE RAIN

ALMOST 150 mense were left to a battle the woeste Kaapse weer at the weekend without a roof over their heads after fires ripped through Silvertown, Khayelitsha.

Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell confirmed the fire broke out late Friday night, with city officials conducting assessments the following morning.

Powell reported on Saturday: “Following an assessment by Disaster Risk Management officials this morning, it was determined that 45 structures were destroyed, impacting 145 individuals."

City departments have been mobilised to clear debris and restore damaged municipal infrastructure with Powell yesterday announcing that a weather warning was lifted after heavy rains on Saturday night.

Powell said: “The SA Weather Service has advised that the warning for disruptive rainfall has been cancelled for [Sunday.]

"Thus far, no significant impacts have been reported to the Disaster Operations Centre, although this situation might change as the day progresses."

Humanitarian assistance is being provided by The Salvation Army and Gift of the Givers, while the names of affected residents have been submitted to SASSA and the National Department of Human Settlements for additional support.

Gift of the Givers have been on standby and project manager Ali Sablay said as severe weather has been forecasted the organisation remains on full standby ready to respond swiftly to any emergencies that may arise.

Sablay added: “This comes at the end of a challenging and demanding week, with disaster response operations activated across multiple informal settlements affected by devastating fires.”

"Over the past seven days their teams have provided vital humanitarian assistance in Khayelitsha, Kosovo and Samora Machel informal settlements where fires have displaced several families and destroyed homes.

The emergency aid provided includes hot meals, bottled water, food parcels, blankets, hygiene supplies and building materials have been distributed to affected mense as part of their ongoing disaster relief efforts.

Sablay said that his team have prepped for the winter months after warning of more fires, with mense in the informal settlements using unsafe methods to stay warm - such as open fires.

He stated: “In preparation for the coming winter months, additional resources and supplies have been pre-positioned to enable a rapid and coordinated response to anticipated weather-related challenges."

The Gift of the Givers said their teams are working closely with community leaders, local authorities and disaster management stakeholders to ensure the most vulnerable members of society receive timely and effective support.