Erongo governor Andre Neville said the fire that razed down shacks in the Twaloloka informal settlement at Walvis Bay on Sunday evening killed a two-year-old boy.

In a statement Monday, Neville said the fire destroyed up to 200 of the 240 shacks in the area.

“As the damage is being assessed by the relevant authorities, the well-being of the residents is of immediate concern.

“With the generous support of the Ministry of Education and Culture, some school hostels have been made available to accommodate the fire victims, while the Red Cross has offered 50 (4x4m) tents and food.

“The local security cluster (5) and the Office of the Governor (2) making a total of seven (7) tents available,” he said.

According to the governor, several institutions and individuals have also pledged their support in various ways, including 400 blankets and food (Office of the Prime Minister), game meat from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, as well as livestock meat from the Ministry of Agriculture.

He further said the Municipality of Walvisbay made a donation of five water tanks (4 x 5000 litres and 1 x 2,500 litres).

“While several rumours and false information have been circulating on social media as to how the situation at Twaloloka spun out of control after the fire had broken out early last night, Commissioner Andreas Nelumbu, head of Nampol in Erongo Region, assured the stakeholders at this morning’s emergency briefing that the Twaloloka community was not to blame. The trouble started when onlookers from elsewhere instigated others to attack members of the fire brigade and security cluster,” the governor said.

Andre explained that all donations should be coordinated through the Office of the Governor.