500 houses destroyed in fire

CEBU CITY, Philippines—At least 1,500 families were displaced after a fire struck a densely populated urban poor village here, destroying nearly half of all the village’s houses.

David Tumulak, councilor and chair of the city disaster risk reduction management council, said a state of calamity would be declared in the village of Lorega to free up funds to help the fire victims.

The victims, said the councilor, have sought shelter in gymnasiums in the villages of T. Padilla, Zapatera and Day-As, and the Zapatera Elementary School.

Eight persons were hurt. Some suffered minor burns while others complained of difficulty in breathing.

Senior Fire Officer 2 Daniel Relatado Jr., Cebu City fire investigator, said at least 500 houses were destroyed. Jhunnex Napallacan, Inquirer Visayas