Officials in the Philippines say a huge fire in the southern city of Davao overnight destroyed more than 1000 homes in a poor coastal area.
Firefighters battled for more than five hours as the fire tore through shanty towns in the Isla Verde neighbourhood.
AFP reports the blaze was apparently started when a candle in one home tipped over.
Civil defence officials said the houses were made of light materials and they were all razed to the ground.
More than 5000 people have been left homeless.
Children scavange after the slum fire in Davao City. Photo: AFP
