A fire that destroyed about 100 shacks and claimed one life at Baghdad informal settlement in central Pretoria over the weekend has prompted an emergency relief operation by the City of Tshwane and humanitarian organisations.

Hundreds of displaced residents were left needing assistance after losing their homes and possessions in the blaze, reports the Pretoria Rekord.

MMC for Human Settlements Aaron Maluleka and MMC for Community and Social Development Palesa Modise visited the settlement after the fire to assess the damage, meet affected residents and co-ordinate the city’s response.

Maluleka said affected families had received food, shelter and basic necessities while officials assessed their further needs.

“The loss of about 100 homes in a matter of hours is a painful reminder of the particular vulnerability of families living in densely populated informal settlements,” he said.

He urged residents to exercise caution when using open flames, candles and electrical appliances, and warned against unsafe electrical connections that could increase the risk of fires.

Relief teams provide emergency shelter and food

The city’s disaster management team made 50 mattresses available, while the Department of Community and Social Development arranged cooked meals for affected residents on October 26 and 27.

The city’s food bank was scheduled to be activated on October 26 following a further assessment of households’ needs.

Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers committed 260 mattresses and blankets, 130 hygiene packs and cooked meals. The Laudium PMT Burial Society also provided cooked meals, while temporary accommodation was being arranged at a local church for residents who needed shelter.

The relief operation aimed to help families meet their immediate needs while authorities assessed what additional support would be required.

City pledges ongoing support as families rebuild

Maluleka extended his condolences to the family of the deceased resident and those who had lost their homes.

He thanked emergency personnel, city officials, community members and humanitarian organisations for responding to the disaster.

The city said it would continue working with affected residents and relief partners in the days following the fire as families began rebuilding their lives.

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