Entire sections of San Juan de Miraflores were devastated after a massive fire tore through tightly packed hillside homes. By the time it was contained, “entire sections of San Juan de Miraflores lay in ruins,” leaving behind twisted metal, burned wood, and ash where neighborhoods once stood.

In just a few hours, families lost the basics of daily life. “Clothes, documents, savings, school notebooks, and family photographs—vanished in hours.” Residents watched silently as firefighters searched through debris that had been their homes, knowing there was little left to recover.

The fire spread quickly through the overcrowded structures, offering almost no chance to escape or save belongings. For many, “everything they owned was lost at once,” turning a fast-moving blaze into total devastation.

After the flames died down, a humanitarian crisis followed. Hundreds were left homeless, “sleeping outdoors under donated blankets while waiting for food, water, and assistance.” Authorities say a hidden fireworks workshop worsened the disaster, causing explosions that sped up the destruction and raised serious safety concerns.

While investigators question how such a dangerous operation existed in a residential area, survivors are focused on getting through each day. With help from aid groups and neighbors, the community is relying on shared strength. Despite the loss, “the community, though devastated, is leaning on solidarity and resilience” as it begins the long path toward rebuilding.