In Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, around 4,000 homes made up of light materials were destroyed by a massive fire an impoverished coastal community last June 1.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that the fire started around 12 noon in Barangay Santiago, Pagadian City involving some houses.
At around 3:30 p.m., the flames quickly spread to adjacent establishments in barangays San Pedro and Kawit because of strong winds.
Local authorities were forced to evacuate the affected families to the parking area of a nearby shopping mall.
A 60-year old man died in the fire while 3 persons were injured. The cost of damage to properties, which included a school and a mosque, is estimated at P20 million.
ADRA Philippines gave immediate help to more than 525 families staying at an evacuation area by distributing emergency kits and relief packs. We are also monitoring the recovery steps being undertaken by the government and the affected families in the area.