A devastating fire occurred at the Multicomercio building located in the Bahía district of Guayaquil, leading to the displacement of at least 100 families. The fire, which has been described as catastrophic, prompted firefighters to work tirelessly from Wednesday morning until Thursday midday to bring the situation under control. The extent of the damage was severe, resulting in the partial collapse of two of the five towers in the complex, and continued risk of collapse for the remaining structures.

The fire has forced residents not only of the Multicomercio building but also from neighboring buildings to seek refuge in the homes of family members or friends. Among those affected is Pablo Portes, who was visibly emotional as he shared his family's plight at a makeshift shelter set up for displaced families. He recounted the loss of their home, car, and business, emphasizing the profound impact of the disaster on his family's life and the community's collective grief.

As the fire continues to wreak havoc, the local government and emergency services are likely to face significant challenges in providing immediate assistance to those affected. The community's resilience will be tested as they come together to support each other in the aftermath of this tragic event, highlighting the need for resource allocation to address the urgent needs of displaced families and the potential for long-term recovery efforts to restore their lives after such a significant economic and emotional blow.