Nearly 900 persons lost homes, goods in Brgy. Kamputhaw fire

An updated tally showed that at least 235 families or nearly 900 persons lost their homes and belongings during the fire that hit Barangay Kamputhaw in Cebu City last Saturday afternoon.

Almost a thousand residents were affected by the fire that hit Lower Purok 3, Barangay Kamputhaw yesterday afternoon.

Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CCDRRMO) Chief Nagiel Bañacia, in a post, said that from 60 houses, the number has risen to 133 as of 11:18 p.m.

Mark Casicas, executive officer of Barangay Kamputhaw, said that help came from different establishments and churches.

However, Casicas said that the fire survivors still need food packs, bottled water, blankets, extra clothes, and toiletries.

The survivors in Sitio Lupa, Barangay Kamputhaw will be taking temporary shelter in the local barangay gym while City Hall assesses the damage in affected areas.

Department of Social Welfare Services (DSWS) head Lea Japson said that they have already distributed meal packs yesterday to the fire survivors.

As of 12:27 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 5, DSWS had recorded some 139 razed houses, 235 affected families, or 864 individuals.

The City Government will give P20,000 cash to owners of destroyed houses, while those whose homes were damaged will be entitled to P10,000.

Those who wish to extend assistance of any kind to the fire survivors may drop them off in the DSWS office in Barangay Labangon.

“Most of those who weren’t able to bring anything with them were the ones who were near the fire’s origin,” Casicas said.

The affected residents are housed in the gymnasium of Purok 8.

Casicas said that individuals who would like to donate to the residents can also drop their aid in the Kamputhaw barangay hall.

As of yesterday, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) 7 had yet to determine the cause of the blaze that lasted for almost six hours.

Cebu City Fire Marshall Noel Ababon said that they will interview the witnesses.

The fire last Saturday was raised to third alarm for all fire stations in Cebu City to respond.

SUNSTAR FOTO / AMPER CAMPAÑA HELP WANTED. Families affected by a fire that hit Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City gather in the gymnasium of the barangay’s Purok 8. Barangay officials call on the public to donate clothes, food and other items that the survivors need most at this point.