Manila, November 24 (IANS). At least 2,000 families were left homeless after a massive fire swept through the Philippines’ capital on Sunday. Local officials informed about this.
Manila City Fire Department firefighter Alejandro Ramos told reporters that the morning fire in Manila City destroyed about 1,000 houses made of light and flammable materials.
The Philippines Air Force used helicopters to drop water on a burning colony of illegal settlers along Manila Bay.
The Philippine Coast Guard also dispatched four fire boats to help control the fire. About 30 fire trucks reached the spot.
However, Ramos said strong winds blowing from the Gulf contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
He said narrow streets hampered efforts to control the fire. It became difficult for firefighters to enter the colony due to residents running on the streets.
The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office announced the fire was under control at 2 p.m. local time, Xinhua news agency reported.
No casualties have been reported so far, although some firefighters have been injured. The cause of the fire is being investigated.
–IANS
SCH/MK
