Merchants and local residents are organizing into groups to retrieve their goods from stores affected by a recent fire in Guayaquil's Multicomercio area.
In Guayaquil, the Multicomercio area has seen unusual activity as merchants and residents organize in groups of up to twenty to retrieve goods from various shops and apartments impacted by a significant fire earlier in the month. Under police protection and with controlled access, these groups have been returning to the 'zona cero' to collect their belongings amidst ongoing restrictions since the fire erupted on February 11.
On the morning and afternoon of February 21, individuals were seen pushing carts loaded with goods and stacking boxes on sidewalks as different teams were allowed in on a rotational basis for limited timeframes. Merchants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to recover their inventory and personal items, as many were left in dire situations from the fire disaster.
The organized recovery efforts indicate a strong community response, reflecting not only the immediate need to salvage losses but also the broader socio-economic implications for local commerce and infrastructure in the area. The aftermath of the fire continues to loom over the local economy, prompting discussions about safety measures and emergency response within urban settings such as Guayaquil.
