About 4000 people are homeless after fires in informal settlements in Cape Town, South Africa.
AAP reports homes in the township of Du Noon and sections of the Khayelitsha slum were destroyed late on Monday and early Tuesday.
Fire and rescue services could not prevent the blaze spreading and destroying hundreds of shacks and houses. Strong winds spread the flames and three people died.
Disaster management teams have supplied food parcels, blankets, baby packs, clothing and building material and trauma counselling to the victims.
The use of gas burners, candles, lamps and paraffin stoves is common in poor areas throughout South Africa.
