Fire displaces 140 people as severe weather hits

AS SEVERE weather settled over Cape Town, a devastating fire in Silvertown, Khayelitsha, left over 140 people displaced and destroyed 45 structures in the early hours of Saturday.

- MANDILAKHE TSHWETE

Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell confirmed the fire broke out late on Friday night, with City officials conducting assessments the following morning.

"Following an assessment by Disaster Risk Management officials, it was determined that 45 structures were destroyed, impacting 145 individuals," she said.

City departments have been mobilised to clear debris and restore damaged municipal infrastructure.

Humanitarian assistance is being provided by The Salvation Army and Gift of the Givers, while the names of affected residents have been submitted to Sassa and the National Department of Human Settlements for additional support.

Ward councillor Thando Pimpi said the community suspects a candle may have caused the fire.