A massive fire engulfs a shanty town in the Philippines
CNN reported that a study conducted by researchers at the University of California found that excessive consumption of sugary drinks may increase the risk of certain cancers.
A coastal shanty town in the Philippine capital was engulfed in a massive fire on Sunday, resulting in the displacement of at least 2,000 families. The flames raged for nearly eight hours, leaving behind a devastating aftermath.
Drone footage captured by the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office revealed the horrifying sight of fierce, orange flames engulfing the tightly packed stilt homes in Isla Puting Bato, a poverty-stricken section of Tondo, Manila.
According to the Manila Fire District, a devastating blaze broke out on Sunday at 8 a.m. and continued to burn until 4 p.m. The fire resulted in the destruction of approximately 1,000 houses and the displacement of around 8,000 people.
The cause of the fire disaster in Manila is still under investigation. However, it is common for blazes in slums to start due to faulty electrical wiring or gas canisters.
Isla Puting Bato is located in the district of Tondo, known as Manila’s largest slum area, where approximately 654,220 people reside. Within this densely populated neighborhood, people live in makeshift shacks scattered throughout the cramped streets adjacent to a bustling commercial port.
No casualties have been reported so far. Residents were seen escaping the fire by using improvised rafts to reach safety in the sea, desperately trying to salvage their belongings.
Elvira Valdemoro, a 58-year-old resident of Manila and shop owner, was left heartbroken by the extent of the damage.
In a heartbreaking interview with Reuters, she expressed her despair over the loss of their livelihood and home. With everything gone, she and her family are left in a dire situation, unsure of how they will even manage to eat. The timing couldn’t be worse, as Christmas is just around the corner, adding to their already heavy burden.
Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan paid a visit to Isla Puting Bato on Monday, where she engaged in conversations with survivors who had been staying in makeshift tents overnight.
Lacuna-Pangan reassured the residents, urging them to be patient and assuring them that help will continue to be delivered. She empathetically acknowledged that nobody wished for this unfortunate situation to occur.
She encouraged the residents to register and voluntarily evacuate to a temporary shelter, where they would receive meals and supplies.
“We are here to assist all of you. Please don’t despair. Let’s support one another as we approach the holiday season. Our sincere wish is to help you return to the comfort of your homes.”