In the early hours of Sunday morning, a devastating fire engulfed the Ezithendeni Informal Settlement in Nottingham Road. Some 250 structures were burnt to the ground and over 400 people were affected, with one death.

Some residents managed to salvage items as the fire spread rapidly between the densely-packed wood and tin structures, but many lost all their belongings.

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Al-Imdaad Foundation teams were activated in response to the fire and co-ordinated with Umgeni Disaster Management and local officials to provide relief. On a very cold Sunday night, the team treated affected individuals to 200 meals, generously sponsored by a local donor. This was a welcome meal for families who had lost everything.

The team continued its response on Monday, with the distribution of blankets, hygiene kits and five-litre bottled water for affected families. Peanut butter sandwiches were also prepared and distributed in partnership with the local ward committee.

“It was a collaborative effort to address the devastated community at a time when they needed it most,” said Nottingham Road resident and Al-Imdaad Foundation team member Hamza Badrudeen.

The Al-Imdaad Foundation regularly responds to informal settlement fires in various areas to assist families whose lives have been devastated. For more information or to support these emergency response efforts and other local projects, call 086-178-6243 or visit www.alimdaad.com

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