Massive Fire Forces Thousands to Flee Southern Philippines Islet
The conflagration erupted around 9.30 pm (1330GMT) Tuesday evening in Lamion, Bongao within Tawi-Tawi province of the Bangsamoro region, according to a local resident who spoke with media.
Regional officials estimate more than 1,000 small dwellings were consumed by flames as approximately 5,000 residents fled to safety in neighboring areas.
Dramatic footage circulated on Facebook by S/B F&M SeaJet page captured towering flames devouring the waterfront settlement characterized by floating houses.
Emergency responders battled for over four hours before finally extinguishing the blaze.
"The authorities are still investigating cause of the fire," the resident told reporters, requesting anonymity.
The islander explained that community members routinely store gasoline and additional fuel products imported from Malaysia.
"It is common here as it is their livelihood. It can also be a reason for the massive fire which engulfed the region but the cause of the fire is yet to be established," the resident stated.
Investigators continue examining whether stored petroleum materials accelerated the rapidly spreading flames that razed the vulnerable coastal settlement.
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