Families of the victims of the recent shack fire in the Tulinawa and Mondesa residential areas in Swakopmund are still traumatised and left at the mercy of good Samaritans.

The incident occurred on one property at the intersection of Monica Geingos and Stefanus Shipanga streets and spread to other properties, leaving 42 people in the cold, including 11 school learners and 3 minors.

About 12 dwellings burned to ashes.

Most of the dwellings' building materials are flammable, and because shacks are built within close proximity of each other, the fire spreads quickly.

Currently, the Swakopmund council, together with the donors, has handed over food hampers, blankets, and second-hand clothes to the fire victims.

Cynthia Linyowoni, one of the affected residents, fears for her safety and that of her children and grandchildren should another fire break out again.

Swakopmund Mayor Dina Namubes says the council continues to receive complaints and requests for community members to assist those who have been affected by the fire eruption as a result of the rapid increase in fire outbreaks.

"Just as a short piece of advice, we are forced to stay in shelters built with fire-prone materials, which we chose as a result of the coast. We urged community members to refrain from using unsafe, torn, or worn-out electrical circuits. Pay attention and control while cooking."

Also speaking at the occasion was the director of EXOCRAB, Regto David, who donated to rebuild one-room shelters and matrasses.