More than 100 firefighters from the municipalities of Overstrand, Swartland, George and the City of Cape Town continue to battle blazes in various parts of the Western Cape.
Also read: Pringle Bay residents allowed to return home following wildfire evacuation
Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill reported that the fires had reached heights of up to five metres in some areas, posing a significant challenge to firefighting efforts.
In the Overcome Heights informal settlement, Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) spokesperson Charlotte Powell provided an update, stating that the fire services have completed their operations.
The preliminary assessment reveals that approximately 40 structures have been damaged, displacing 150 residents. A 12-year-old boy was treated for burn wounds, and the damage included standpipes, portable toilets, and electrical infrastructure. Disaster Risk Management personnel will conduct thorough assessments, and city services will be activated to help those affected.
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In Masiphumelele, 30 homes were destroyed, displacing 100 people. Humanitarian assistance will be provided by a number of non-governmental organisations, and infrastructure damage will be assessed by various city departments.
Another fire in Broadlands, Strand, destroyed three formal houses and six informal dwellings. DRMC is coordinating relief efforts.
Meanwhile, in Betty’s Bay, the Hangklip fire has prompted precautionary evacuation orders for residents from the Porter Drive and Delport Road intersection to Silversands. The Kleinmond Town Hall serves as the assembly point. On Tuesday, Pringle Bay received a full evacuation order, with Kleinmond Town Hall serving as the emergency evacuation centre.
The fires have caused widespread road closures, with the R43 between Pearly Beach and Buffeljagsbaai still closed.
Residents are urged to stay informed via official channels for further instructions.
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