Overwhelming response for Dubai fire victims

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Overwhelming response for Dubai fire victims The Philippines Consulate in Dubai has had an “overwhelming response” from residents who donated relief items to the victims of the massive fire that ripped through a residential building in Deira last Monday. On November 23, the Al Shamsi Building in Muraqabbat was engulfed by a blaze that left almost 400 residents homeless. Many also lost clothes, furniture and passports. Dubai Police said the cause of the fire is still being investigated. Consul Ryan Pondoc, from the Philippines Consulate, said residents have been given three months’ accommodation at an apartment building in Hor Al Anz. Another 67 tenants who work at the Little Manila Restaurant in Deira will also be given temporary residence in a building in Deira. Pondoc said: “We were flooded with clothes and furniture by kind-hearted people. We were very truly overwhelmed. RELATED: Dubai building fire coverage “All of the fire victims have been given temporary residence and clothes and relief items donated to us by people. “Right now, what the victims need is more furniture and washing machines. We are also working on getting them their passports. A total of 33 Filipinos lost their passports and paperwork in the fire. “But we are encouraging all of them to visit the consulate and get them replaced.” Ken Peralta, the brand manager of the Little Manila restaurant in Deira, where 67 staff members lived in the Al Shamsi Building, said that their employees have now returned to work after moving into temporary accommodation. Peralta said many of them lost their uniforms to the fire, however, the company had their passports. He said: “We had a Thanksgiving mass together with all of the workers and we were just very thankful no one got hurt.” sarwat@7days.ae Read the original story at: Overwhelming response for Dubai fire victims