The aftermath of fire

Trying to survive each day has made life in their very congested communities natural. Sure, they were aware of the dangers of overcrowding. Sure, they knew that the absence of paths in the event of emergencies would be costly for life, limb, and property.

However, all of those who stay in slum areas have been so accustomed to risks that in terms of priority, being in densely congested areas would be the least of their worries. Many are even thankful that at least they have roofs over their heads and walls to shelter them day and night.

They only realize the real danger of overcrowded communities when fire breaks out. Then, literally, hell breaks loose for all, as it did in Barangays Tinago and Tejero Saturday morning, close to noon.

Final investigation will trace the real cause of fire but an early version has it that the fire started in a house where the cook left the fire on to play tong-its. That turned out to be a bad deal, not only for this gambler but also for hundreds of neighbors who lost their houses, their possessions, their peace of mind, and more.

We arrived at the scene some five hours after. One could still smell the stench of smoke and the burnt reminders of what used to be precious parts of what used to be homes for the hundreds now out in the streets.

As expected in crowded communities of the poor, the children were conspicuously all over the place; the younger ones oblivious to the tragedy that just unfolded. The slightly older children were busy "namasura", gathering burnt roofs that they could sell for about P4 per kilo to an enterprising junk dealer in the area who was ready, with his weighing scale, to reap profits from the debris. There were also the greedy thieves who ran off with the precious items retrieved by the fire victims.

Those who lost their possessions to the thieves could only cry, grit their teeth but in the end, just shrug their shoulder, resigned to this type of victimization within their environment.

And that is what hits you upon seeing the aftermath of fire among the poor. How abandoned and how much more fire has made them vulnerably, obviously poor. Already poor, fire has made them even poorer.

The lack and absence of an effective disaster management system also strikes all very painfully. Sure, the DSWD was there to list the names of the victims. There were the good Samaritans who came with food and their concern for the fire victims. Some political leaders came for a while and that is where the problem continues. Assistance is only temporary, leaving so much more to be desired.

For instance, dusk was approaching and there were still so many victims, infants and children especially, who had no place to sleep for the night. Should rain fall, heaven forbid, during the night, where in the world would the fire victims find shelter for themselves, for the very young and old, for the sick and the afflicted most especially?

We hope local governments prepare a system to thoroughly assist victims of fire and other disasters. As soon as fire breaks out, for example, the firefighters must be accompanied or even preceded by the police who will keep order and prevent thieves from victimizing further the disaster victims. Then, the DSWD should have one in charge of food, temporary shelter (or the housing agencies can help for this need), counseling, and so on. Then the utilities team for water, electricity, sanitary needs etc., should also be part of the team. Even before any disaster strikes, already, a community-based disaster management team and system can be prepared by local governments and NGOS.

So much needs, so much help needed by so many fire victims. Prayers will be appreciated. Whatever else you can spare for the victims, clothes, food, your time, your presence, anything you can share to lighten the load of the fire victims will be most welcome. For donations, please drop them at the Stella Maris Seafarers' Center at Pier 4 or call 412-9392.