Jakarta. A devastating fire that swept through five sub-districts in the Manggarai area this morning has left hundreds, if not thousands, of residents homeless. Victims were seen scrambling to gather their remaining belongings, from bags containing valuables to important documents, as they wandered aimlessly in search of temporary shelter.

A heart-wrenching scene unfolded around Manggarai Station. Usually bustling with workers, the station is now more crowded as refugees fill the corridors. Numerous families with young children and babies appeared bewildered, clutching tightly to the bundles of precious items they managed to salvage from the fire.

"This is not our first experience. When a fire occurred in 2019 at a neighboring area, we immediately opened a post at the mosque and at this elementary school," Nana told Beritasatu.com in Manggarai, South Jakarta, on Tuesday.

A total of 34 fire trucks, consisting of 31 from South Jakarta and 3 from East Jakarta, along with 120 personnel, were deployed in this firefighting operation.

"There are no fatalities in this incident. However, those injured and traumatized are receiving medical treatment," said Tebet Police Chief Murodih.

Through the mosque's loudspeakers, RW 09 residents quickly announced a donation drive to support the refugees. 

Meanwhile, SDN 05 Manggarai Elementary School Principal Ribka Mirjam opened the school gates wide to welcome the refugees. She expressed her concern and explained that teaching and learning activities were temporarily halted. Ribka also plans to implement distance learning for students, considering many of them were affected.

"As a school, we serve the community. When the community faces a disaster, we must open ourselves and serve wholeheartedly," Ribka said.

She also mentioned that the school had just distributed textbooks, many of which have now been destroyed in the fire.

"We had just distributed the books, and they are certainly burnt. We will discuss with the local education authorities about the next steps," she revealed.

Amidst the emotional turmoil on the ground, Fuji, 50, was crying with her daughter in front of a resident’s house.

Their only home, a valuable asset to them, was consumed by the fire. As a single mother raising two children after her husband passed away, Fuji is at a loss about where to turn.

"I just want to find temporary shelter, not expecting aid. I need to get back to work and rebuild our home," Fuji said, wiping away her tears. She admitted to being traumatized by the incident, as it was not the first time she had experienced a fire.

"I want to go back home, but I'm also traumatized. This isn’t the first time, but how could so many houses burn?" she added.

With a sad tone, Fuji continued, "I don’t know where to go. I just need a temporary place to stay, so I can get back to work. My husband passed away a long time ago; I am the sole caregiver for my two children, one still in school and the other working."

This fire has been a severe blow to Manggarai residents, particularly those who have lost their belongings and homes. Relief efforts continue by local residents and related parties to help the victims recover from this disaster.

Add as a preferred source on Google +