“EVERYTHING GONE IN MINUTES” – FIRE DESTROYS HOME OF VISUALLY IMPAIRED SINJE FATHER, GLAUCOMA SUFFERER NOW SLEEPING IN MOSQUE AS FAMILY SEEKS AID
BY: Clarence T. Barjibo
SINJE, Garwula District, Grand Cape Mount County– A midnight fire early Monday destroyed the bedroom and all household belongings of Abdulrahman Zoduah, a visually impaired resident of Kiazolu Quarter in Sinje, leaving him, his wife, and son homeless and dependent on community support.
The blaze erupted around 12:30 a.m., consuming a flat-screen television, two mattresses, clothing, and other personal effects before neighbors could contain it.
“I Lost Everything”
Zoduah, who suffers from glaucoma and has limited vision, told Radio Cape Mount that the fire left his family with nothing.
He said his wife and son are currently being sheltered by a resident, Musu Hortin, while he has been sleeping at a local mosque since the incident.
“I appeal to humanitarian organizations, county authorities, and citizens of Grand Cape Mount County for assistance,” Zoduah said, his voice breaking.
“We have no mattress to sleep on, no clothes to wear, no food. My condition makes this even harder.”
The fire has drawn sympathy from residents of Kiazolu Quarter, who are providing temporary shelter and food to the family. Local leaders say the incident highlights the vulnerability of persons with disabilities during emergencies and the lack of fire safety resources in rural communities.