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Thousands left homeless by shantytown fire in Philippines

Residents try to salvage recyclable materials from what used to be houses in the aftermath of a massive fire that engulfed hundreds of makeshift homes in a shanty town community in the Tondo district of Manila, Philippines, May 12.
Residents try to salvage recyclable materials from what used to be houses in the aftermath of a massive fire that engulfed hundreds of makeshift homes in a shanty town community in the Tondo district of Manila, Philippines, May 12.Dondi Tawatao / Getty Images Contributor
By PhotoBlog

Some 5,400 people were left homeless by a fire that swept through an island shantytown in Manila, Philippines, on Friday. Many returned to the scene Saturday to try to recover belongings.

During the fire, at least 100 people were plucked from the waters thick with ash and debris, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

Amazingly no deaths were reported, though at least five people were injured.

A resident searches underwater for any reusable materials from the remains of his home.
A resident searches underwater for any reusable materials from the remains of his home.Rouelle Umali / Zuma Press

Residents search for usable items at the site of a fire in a shanty town in Manila.
Residents search for usable items at the site of a fire in a shanty town in Manila.Jay Directo / AFP - Getty Images

Residents try to salvage recyclable materials on what used to be houses in the aftermath of a massive fire.
Residents try to salvage recyclable materials on what used to be houses in the aftermath of a massive fire.Dondi Tawatao / Getty Images Contributor

 

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