Hout Bay fire leaves about 400 people without homes

About 400 people were displaced by a fire in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay, on October 11, Cape Town's Disaster Risk Management Centre said. Approximately 80 informal structures were destroyed.

Centre spokesperson Charlotte Powell said no injuries or fatalities had been reported. Municipal disaster management and informal settlements officials are coordinating assistance and recovery work.

An Eyewitness News reporter described the fire breaking out at around 3am, forcing residents from their homes. Firefighters contained it hours later and continued damping-down operations.

Gift of the Givers activated assistance including hot meals and bottled water. Further support is being coordinated through the South African Social Security Agency and other partners. The municipal account did not identify the cause of the blaze.