90-year-old woman hurt Fire razes 36 houses in Sambag 2

CEBU, Philippines - Residents were roused from their sleep when a huge fire hit sitios Maharlika and Palsy Side in Barangay Sambag 2 past 2 am yesterday.

A 90-year-old woman is now in the hospital due to serious burns and smoke inhalation after almost being trapped in her house.

Thirty-six houses were lost to the fire, the Cebu City Fire Department estimated the damage caused at P1.5 million.

Cebu City Fire Marshall William Tacaldo, Jr. raised the fire to Task Force Alpha and available fire stations from the neighboring cities rushed to help put out the fire that spread rapidly to nearby structures.

The fire, which was reported at 2:42 a.m., was declared under control an hour later.

Investigation conducted by the fire department showed that the fire started from the ceiling of Nelia Gelbolingo’s house.  Tacaldo said electrical misuse could have triggered the fire.

The fire, which spread quickly, roused residents from their sleep and sent them scampering for safety.

Abeda Basilis, 90, managed to get out of her house after almost being trapped inside it.  A report over radio dyLA said the relatives of Basilis panicked, leaving the elderly woman at the second floor of their house.

Basilis collapsed from smoke inhalation before firefighters got to her. The radio report further said that the victim sustained burns in at least 75 percent of her body.

The victim was rushed to the Cebu City Medical Center and her situation was still being monitored as of last night.

Tacaldo said they had a hard time getting to the burning houses because the roads leading to them were narrow.

“Huot kaayo ang lugar, atong truck naglisod gani pag-backing. In-ani kalisod ang dapit, samutan pa nga naay nag-parking sa daplin sa karsada,” the fire department head said.

The families who lost their homes are now housed at the Maharlika Gym.

Cebu City Department of Social Welfare Services chief Ester Concha said 230 people comprising 59 families were left homeless by the fire.  The DSWS is now assisting them with urgent basic needs.

Food for the affected residents is being shouldered by the city government.

“We have been serving food for them since this morning (Sunday),” she said.

DSWS will also be providing the victims a disaster kit, canned goods and rice, Concha added.  Apart from this, financial assistance and housing materials will also be distributed to help the victims start anew.  —/BRP (FREEMAN)