Hundreds of Zamboanga City families homeless after fire

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Hundreds of families were left homeless when a fire gutted over 600 structures in Barangay Sta. Catalina here early evening Tuesday.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Salazar said reports reaching her indicated that five residents were rushed to the Zamboanga City Medical Center due to injuries.

The fire that started 6:50 p.m. charred P4.5 million in properties, City Fire Marshal Chief Insp Clint Cha said.

He added that the fire was under control and manageable by 10 p.m.

Sta. Catalina village chair Jimmy Villaflores said the affected residents were temporarily housed at the open court of the Don Gems Elementary School.

Elmer Apolinario, the city disaster risk reduction management officer, could not give the exact number of displaced families but agreed it would be huge.  SFM/rga