Over 500 people displaced after fires rip through Imizamo Yethu and Masiphumelele

More than 500 people have been displaced after fires ripped through Imizamo Yethu and Masiphumelele over the weekend.

The City of Cape Town's Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) said preliminary reports show about 100 structures were damaged in Imizamo Yethu, while the impact of the blaze in Masiphumelele is still being assessed.

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Firefighters managed to extinguish both fires after being called out to Imizamo Yethu on Saturday afternoon and Masiphumelele early Sunday morning.

The DRMC's spokesperson, Sonica Lategan, said the city's informal settlements management, solid waste and electricity services are on site.

"DRMC has also activated water and sanitation to address damage to five toilets, standpipes and a burst water pipe, and the city’s recreation and parks department to assess trees damaged in the fire."

Gift of the Givers spokesperson Ali Sablay said relief efforts for both affected communities will continue on Monday.

"Further distributions will take place tomorrow [Monday], once the exact number of affected residents has been confirmed by disaster management authorities."