Deadly fire outbreak evokes call for assistance in Kapoeta

Authorities in Kapoeta North County, Eastern Equatoria State, are calling on humanitarian agencies to rescue the victims of a deadly fire outbreak that left an estimated 20 houses in ashes.

Last Sunday, a fire broke out in Nawoo Boma, Naakwa Payam, and destroyed several homes.

A report from the county indicates that the incident happened when an unidentified person failed to manage a fire he lit.

The fire consumed about 20 houses, including foodstuffs stored in the traditional granaries, and left several families in dire need of food assistance.

The Commissioner of Kapoeta North, Epone Lolimo, appealed to the partners in the state government to help the victims with lifesaving materials such as food, shelter, and clothing.

“I request them to urgently intervene by helping these people with support, especially the blankets, right now the children, the elderly people are living in a cold,” he said

However, Lolimo emphasised that due to incapacity and a lack of resources, the county authorities cannot provide the necessary items on their own.

“One of the villages got burnt. They are already vulnerable, and so we are struggling too. We have already made an alarm through the radio station, and we are waiting for a response,” said Lolimo.

Meanwhile, one of the victims who spoke on anonymity said: “children woke me up while I was sleeping. Just after I woke up, I found the fire burning, so I started taking the children outside of the compound.” The fire was burning all over [and there was] no one to help me. I started crying when everything got finished.”

She called for immediate intervention from well-wishers as all the family’s property had been destroyed by the fire.

 “I am informing any well-wisher to help me with anything that can help me because rain is approaching. The fire burned everything: small calves, chicken, goats, food, and everything. We are just surviving through neighbours and friends, “the person lamented.