RIVERBANK FIRE. Fire hits a community along the riverbank of the Rio Grande de Mindanao, in Barangay Poblacion 7 in Cotabato City Wednesday afternoon. At least 150 families lost their houses and valuables. (Photo courtesy of BFP Cotabato)
COTABATO CITY – A fire of still unknown origin gutted down more than 90 makeshift homes in a village situated beside the Rio Grande de Mindanao River here on Wednesday afternoon.
Barangay Poblacion 7 chairman Hassal Adtong said the fire started at about 4 p.m. and quickly spread to nearby residential areas made of light materials.
“The fire spread quickly and firefighters have difficulty responding due to narrow pathways,” Adtong said.
The conflagration left 90 homes destroyed and 156 families homeless.
“We are asking for help from generous people, our constituents need food, blankets, water containers, among others,” he said.
The affected families are now housed at Datu Siang Elementary School.
Three firemen sustained minor injuries during firefighting operations, according to the Cotabato City Bureau of Fire Protection.
Mayor Bruce Matabalao has ordered the local social welfare office to attend to the immediate needs of the victims.
Initial damage to properties was placed at PHP800,000. (PNA)
