Thousands left homeless by Manila fire

A raging fire lasting over five hours has gutted homes in the Philippines.

At least 1,200 families have been left homeless by the blaze in a Manila shantytown.

Locals tried in vain to douse the flames, which made easy work of the properties made mostly of plywood.

Witnesses told investigators the fire started in a house somewhere in the middle of the poverty stricken community.

Firefighters had difficulty reaching the area partly because the alleys and narrow streets were clogged by residents fleeing with their belongings.

Miraculously only two people were hurt in the blaze and the ret of the residents walked away unscathed.

Resident Pio Adino said: "I am looking through the rubble, hoping to salvage some things to sell and earn a little money to buy food. But there is nothing left, just ashes."

Most of the homeless have been temporarily sheltered at a gymnasium and two public schools in the city.

Authorities in the Philippines issued fire warnings last month at the start of the hot and dry season.

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