(RMN TACLOBAN)
TACLOBAN CITY – A fire engulfed 16 residential houses in Barangay 80, Marasbaras, this city, on Tuesday morning, November 26, displacing 22 families.
According to the Tacloban City Fire Station, the blaze was reported at 10:34 am and was declared under control by 11:05 am.
The fire was completely extinguished by 11:14 am. The estimated damage was pegged at P500,000.
Fire Officer SFO2 Anthony Alvin Duran disclosed in an interview that most of the affected houses were made of light materials, contributing to the rapid spread of the fire.
Initial investigations point to either unattended cooking or faulty electrical wiring as the possible cause of the incident.
The fire department dispatched four fire trucks, supported by six volunteer fire trucks, to contain the fire. Despite their efforts, the affected families lost almost all their belongings.
One of the victims, Mae Joy Nadonza Caballa, shared her plight, saying her family was unable to save anything, including food and clothes. She appealed for assistance from the public.
“We have nothing left, not even food or clothes. We are knocking on your doors, asking for any help—food, clothes, or financial aid—to help us recover from this tragedy. Any assistance will mean so much to us,” Caballa said.
Authorities and local organizations are urging support for the displaced families as they struggle to rebuild their lives following the disaster.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
