Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) officials have officially completed their post-fire assessment in the informal settlement of Overcome Heights following a destructive blaze that erupted yesterday afternoon.

According to DRMC spokesperson Charlotte Powell, the final figures reveal an increased toll compared to initial estimates.

“The assessment confirmed that 67 informal structures and one formal dwellingwere destroyed, while another formal dwelling was partially damaged,” Powell stated.

She added that a total of 198 people were affected by the disaster.

Emergency response teams had worked rapidly yesterday to contain the flames and prevent casualties, and fortunately, no fatalities or injuries have been reportedSASSA and Gift of the Givers are assisting with humanitarian relief efforts at this time.

Initial assessments indicated substantial devastation, with approximately 60 shacks destroyed, leaving an estimated 180 people displaced and affected.

The blaze also spread to formal properties, damaging four formal dwellings and impacting an additional 35 residents within the community.

Emergency response teams worked rapidly to contain the flames and prevent further spread throughout the densely populated area.

In February this year, People’s Post reported that altogether 16 homes were destroyed in a fire that swept through Overcome Heights on Tuesday 17 February, displacing 36 families including children, though no injuries or deaths were reported.

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