[ad_1]
A fire destroyed houses and businesses on the Caribbean island, and people fled by boat.
A fire destroyed or damaged dozens of houses and businesses on the island of Guanaga, Honduras, forcing hundreds of residents to flee to safety.
A dramatic video clip shared on social media on Saturday showed rows of beach houses on the island of Guanaja, about 70 kilometers (44 miles) off the north coast of Honduras, were engulfed by flames and wooden houses collapsed.
According to the “Herald” news website, at least 400 people fled the island by boat to escape from the fire because the Honduran Air Force sprayed water on the island to put out the fire.
The footage taken after the fire was under control showed dozens of concrete houses without roofs and windows.
“We can confirm that we have no personnel losses, but huge material losses,” said Max Gonzalez, Minister of National Risk Management System and National Emergency Response Agency.
Gonzalez said four people were injured in the fire, which burned down 90 houses and damaged another 120 houses, including those used by companies.
The fire broke out before dawn. As there was no fire service on the island, the residents worked hard to control the fire.
The cause of the fire is unclear.
“At the moment, we need help in everything — food, water and oxygen tanks,” said Mireya Guillen, the island’s deputy mayor.
Guanaja is one of the three picturesque bay islands in the country, where snorkelers and divers come to watch dolphins and the Great Coral Reef.
Its 6,000 residents rely on tourism income for their livelihoods.
[ad_2]
Source link