Victims are counting heavy losses after a fire outbreak razed four shops along Murtala Mohammed Highway, Ishie Town, Calabar, Cross River State, in the early hours of Sunday.

The Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) has since commenced a damage and needs assessment to determine the extent of the losses and identify the victims’ immediate humanitarian needs.

The assessment was led by the Director-General of CR-SEMA, Efa Nyong, alongside the Vice Chairman of Calabar Municipality, Okon Nyong, and officials of the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

Four commercial shops, with a laundry service and a fashion design shop were the worst hit in the inferno.

Items lost to the inferno include sewing machines, fabrics, generators and other valuable equipment.

Parts of the affected building also sustained structural damage due to the intensity of the fire.

Speaking during the assessment, Mr Nyong sympathised with the victims, assuring them that the state government, remained committed to providing humanitarian assistance.

He said the assessment would provide credible data to guide government intervention and urged the affected traders to remain hopeful in spite of their losses.

Mr Nyong also advised residents and business owners to regularly inspect electrical installations and ensure proper wiring to minimise the risk of future fire outbreaks.

Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of Calabar Municipality, Mr Nyong commended CR-SEMA for its prompt response and assured the victims of the council’s continued collaboration with relevant agencies during emergencies.

Meanwhile, owner of the burnt fashion design shop, Cecilia Sampson, described the incident as devastating, saying the business was her family’s only source of livelihood.

She lamented that customers’ fabrics in her care were gutted by the fire, expressing concern about replacing the materials and rebuilding her business.

(NAN)