Fire-hit Marina tower residents have a trying time gaining access to flats

Twelve days after the fire at Tiger Tower, also known as Marina Pinnacle, hundreds of residents are still facing difficulties retrieving their belongings.

- SM Ayaz Zakir & Elizabeth Gonzales

Nearly every day since the incident on June 13, people have lined up outside the building, hoping to be allowed inside. But the process has been slow and frustrating. Even now, on the 12th day, the situation remains challenging. Long queues that snake around the building, people cutting in line and the intense heat are among the main issues causing distress.

SP, a 30-year-old HR manager, shared that she and her husband have been visiting almost daily. On Wednesday, they arrived at 7am, and were still waiting to be let in almost five hours later.

Initially, authorities used a different system, where residents had to register and wait for their flat number to be called. However, many complained that the numbers were being called at random, with no clear order or reasoning.

Now, it appears the system has shifted to a first-come, first-served basis—though even that approach has brought its own problems.