In brief
After a devastating fire that killed four, another blaze at Cairo's telecommunications hub raises concerns as recovery efforts are underway.
Cairo's telecommunications sector is on high alert following a second fire at the Ramses Exchange building, just days after a more destructive blaze took four lives and caused major disruptions in internet, transport, and banking services. The smaller fire, which broke out Thursday evening, was promptly extinguished, but investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of both incidents, according to state news outlets.Despite the quick action, locals reported sporadic internet connectivity woes, particularly near the affected area, where internet usage had plummeted to about 40% of usual levels following the initial fire. The earlier inferno had severe consequences, leading not only to fatalities but also causing significant interruptions in the stock market, banking operations, and air travel.In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly visited the site and promised a comprehensive recovery plan to restore full functionality to the building. The first fire originated from a floor housing critical telecommunications equipment and, unfortunately, spread rapidly despite existing fire suppression measures.Egyptians shared their frustrations on social media, highlighting unprecedented challenges like handwritten boarding passes for flights and stalled train ticket sales. While essential services are slowly resuming, the fresh fire has added a layer of concern to an already tumultuous situation.
