DRC Seaside fire victims plead for urgent help

A devastating fire reduced four homes to ashes in the DRC Seaside informal settlement of Swakopmund last weekend. The fire left several families destitute and struggling to survive in the cold winter weather.The fire broke out around 15:00 on Saturday and quickly engulfed the structures before residents could react.Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and helplessness as the flames tore through the makeshift homes made of zinc and wood.Children’s cries filled the air while neighbours rushed to help salvage what little they could.No injuries or deathsDespite the reportedly swift arrival of the Swakopmund Fire Brigade, many residents argued that the response was not quick enough to save their homes or possessions.According to the police, no injuries or fatalities were reported.However, significant damage was done, with most victims losing everything from personal identification documents to essential items like school uniforms, textbooks, and food.One of the victims, Melencia Guriras, spoke with deep emotion as she surveyed the ashes of what used to be her home.“We lost everything. The fire brigade arrived late. By the time they came, nothing could be done,” she said. “There was smoke and flames everywhere. We couldn’t even get back in to grab anything. We only had time to get ourselves out.”Sleeping in tentsGuriras, a mother of two, said she and her family now have no place to call home.“We’re sleeping in tents now. It's cold, especially for the children. We don't even have mattresses, just a few blankets we were given.”She expressed concern about the immediate future, especially for her children.“We didn’t even manage to save our children's school things. The fire took it all. They have no uniforms, no books. How are they supposed to go back to school?”The fire victims were provided with four blankets and some fruit packages by the Swakopmund Fire Brigade as temporary relief.However, Guriras says this is far from enough.“We only got four blankets and a few fruit packages from the fire brigade. That’s all. No other support has come so far. We are left here to figure things out on our own.”Now, as temperatures drop and the families remain without proper shelter, they are calling on the community and the public for support.“We are asking anyone who can help: please bring warm blankets, mattresses, food packages, anything,” Guriras pleaded. “Even second-hand clothes, anything that can make us feel human again.”The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and police have not ruled out any possibilities, including electrical faults or open flame cooking incidents, which are common in informal settlements.Rebuilding effortsAs rebuilding efforts remain uncertain, many DRC Seaside residents are left in fear that the same tragedy could strike again.Community leaders have called for stronger disaster preparedness and quicker emergency response times, particularly in vulnerable areas.For now, the victims wait under thin tarpaulins and in the biting coastal wind, hoping that help will come.Donations can be coordinated through the Swakopmund municipality or local community outreach groups assisting with relief efforts.

DRC Seaside fire victims plead for urgent help

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-14

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DRC Seaside fire victims plead for urgent help

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-14

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