By Xander Ledesma
An early Sunday morning fire devastated Sitio Isla Alegre in Barangay Basak San Nicolas, leaving 116 structures destroyed and displacing 117 families, amounting to 685 individuals. As the fire was brought under control, the community mobilized, demonstrating solidarity and resilience in response to the tragedy.
The fire, which erupted at dawn, rapidly consumed the homes in the area. Ramil Ayuman, a local reporter, mentioned that the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as families rushed to salvage their belongings while the fire spread uncontrollably.
Portia Basmayor, from the Cebu City Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS), confirmed the extensive damage. “We are currently focused on providing aid to the affected families and ensuring their basic needs are met,” Basmayor said.
The DSWS swiftly established temporary shelter at the Basak Community School for the displaced residents. For the next few days, the agency will distribute food packs to assist families as they navigate through this difficult time.
In a remarkable show of community spirit, residents nearby donated clothes, food, and other necessities. Local organizations also stepped up to support the victims, exemplifying the strong sense of unity in Cebu during disasters.
The fire highlights the vulnerability of densely populated urban areas like Barangay Basak San Nicolas. Cebu City has experienced similar incidents before, with a fire in 2017 displacing hundreds. These recurring incidents have led to calls for stronger fire prevention measures and improvements in housing conditions. “This is a reminder that we must not only respond to emergencies but also prevent them through better planning and infrastructure,” said a local community leader.
For now, the focus remains on immediate relief. As investigations continue, the community’s support and camaraderie shine through, illustrating that even in moments of disaster, hope and unity prevail in Cebu City.
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