FIRE VICTIMS. Almost 200 families have been rendered homeless by the fire in Bucana, Davao City on Monday (Aug. 22, 2022). Strong winds worsened the situation, which made it difficult for respondents to put out the fire. (Photo courtesy of Christian Wagner of Light in Asia-Stiftung Hope, Inc.)
DAVAO CITY – The city government has provided essential assistance to 169 families affected by the fire incident in Bucana District on Monday afternoon.
City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) chief Marlisa Gallo said the families, corresponding to 609 individuals, are currently taking shelter in government-installed evacuation sites in Busna and Manggahan gymnasiums here.
"The CSWDO has offered hot meals for the victims Monday evening and some government officials have also offered food assistance to the affected families," Gallo said Tuesday.
Apart from food, basic commodities and financial assistance are also being processed by the CSWDO for the victims, she added.
Gallo urged private and public entities who wish to donate or reach out to the victims to conduct the distribution in the evacuation shelters.
Meanwhile, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Alfredo Baloran said 40 houses were destroyed during the fire based on their initial assessment.
Baloran said the fireman had trouble putting out the blaze immediately due to the narrow passageways, worsened by strong winds at the time of the incident.
He, however, noted that there were no recorded casualties or serious injuries during the fire. (PNA)
