The images of the ferocious fire that ravaged homes in Playa Cunagua, located in the municipality of Bolivia, Ciego de Ávila, depict a scene of destruction and desolation.
The shocking images captured and shared by users on Facebook after the disaster reveal burnt houses, structures reduced to rubble, and a desolate landscape.
The fire: a night of horror and despair
The images taken during the emergency reflect the terrifying moment when the fire consumed the homes in the area.
The flames illuminated the night with an intense glow, while thick columns of black smoke rose over the place.
The wooden structures were quickly consumed by the fire, and the spread of the fire was facilitated by strong winds and the close proximity of the houses to each other.
In the photographs, one can see how the houses are burning fiercely, with flames reaching the roofs and electric poles.
The silhouettes of some residents and possible emergency brigade members are visible in the darkness as they try to evacuate the area or contain the spread of the fire.
Dismal panorama following the fire
The subsequent images reveal the extent of the disaster:
- completely destroyed homes are observed, with only a few brick walls still standing.
- The ground is covered with ashes and charred remnants of furniture, posts, and structures.
- Several areas show smoldering debris, indicating that the fire has not been completely extinguished yet.
- In one of the images, firefighters and emergency teams are seen working in the area to control the flames and prevent their spread to other areas.
- Some shots show community residents walking among the ruins, searching for belongings that may have survived the disaster.
Despite the extent of the material damage, there have been no reported fatalities so far, although several people have experienced nervous crises and smoke inhalation poisoning.
The incident occurred in the late afternoon to evening on Saturday, according to reports from the Facebook page 'La Tijera', which described the event as a "literal hell" for the residents of the area.
Testimonials gathered in the publication indicate that the flames spread rapidly, consuming homes and leaving behind a trail of destruction. "Many lamented losing everything again,” the source noted.
So far, the authorities have not reported on the causes of the fire nor on the exact extent of the material and personal damages.
However, this new disaster is reminiscent of the one that occurred in February 2023, when a similar fire destroyed at least 18 homes in the same community.
On that occasion, the fire originated from a mishap with a wood stove, and the building conditions of the houses, mostly made of guano and wood, facilitated its rapid spread.
Nestled in a privileged area, the residents of Playa Cunagua are calling for better security conditions in their homes and an effective response from the authorities to prevent new tragedies.
The community, made up of around a hundred families, now faces the challenging task of rebuilding what was lost, amidst an economic crisis that complicates the acquisition of building materials.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fire in Playa Cunagua, Ciego de Ávila
What happened in Playa Cunagua, Ciego de Ávila?
A large fire swept through several homes in the Playa Cunagua community, leaving many families homeless. This is the second incident of similar nature to affect the area in the last two years, raising concerns among the residents.
What are the causes of the fires in Playa Cunagua?
So far, the authorities have not reported on the causes of the recent fire. However, the previous fire was caused by negligence with a wood stove, and the building conditions of the houses, mostly made of thatch and wood, facilitated its rapid spread. The recurrence of these events has raised concerns among the residents.
Is there any suspicion that the fires are arson?
Given that this is the second fire in less than a year, some internet users have speculated about the possibility that the incident was not accidental. The prime location of Playa Cunagua, near a major tourist hub, raises concerns and suspicions that it could be a method to forcibly displace the residents of the area.
What impact has the fire had on the Playa Cunagua community?
The fire left many families homeless, completely destroying several houses. Although no fatalities were reported, some individuals have experienced nervous breakdowns and smoke inhalation illnesses. The community now faces the challenging task of rebuilding what was lost amid an economic crisis.
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