Durban fire sees 156 people destitute

JOHANNESBURG - A hundred and fifty-six people (156) have been left without shelter after a blaze swept through an informal settlement in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

According to the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), a total of 127 adults and 29 children have been displaced, and at least 92 shacks have been destroyed.

The department said three people sustained minor burn injuries and have received medical treatment.

KZN COGTA spokesperson Senzelwa Mzila said humanitarian aid is being provided to the affected community.

"Humanitarian aid relief efforts were initiated by social partners, including the South African Red Cross Society and the Gift of the Givers foundation, who are providing aid such as meals, blankets and hygiene packs to the affected families. COGTA MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi has dispatched a team from the provincial Disaster Management Centre to conduct a full assessment of the damage."