Officials in Northern Bahr al Ghazal said they are seeking support for victims of the fire which burned a large portion of a residential district of state capital Aweil two weeks ago.

State Information Minister Wek Kuc said 759 families have been identified as in need of assistance after the fire consumed many shops and houses.

“This is a very devastating fire. It has caused a great damage to properties and the livelihoods," Kuc said. "It's a big setback for the government and our people. After all the development efforts that have made, that have taken place, have now been brought down by a stroke of the fire."

He denied accusations that the state government was slow to act and that it only made the current appeal following pressure from citizens. Kuc said the government has been assessing the damage and that they had trouble reaching some affected families who were disaplced to other villages.

"As the government, we are very concerned and our whole heart is with the people," Kuc said. "The report we which we have now shows that 735 houses, which is about 759 family members have been affected. These people are without shelter but the most important thing is food, medicines and of course shelter. They need immediate assistances."

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Another large fire in Aweil, S Sudan (9 Mar.)

Fire burns over 20 houses in Aweil (4 Mar.)