Noxious fumes from chemical wastes dumped into a river in the town of Marilao in the Philippines, forced thousands of residents to flee their homes in the last week of November.

Residents complained of dizziness and vomiting. Latest reports note that the fumes had caused 16 children and 31 adults to fall ill; at least 1,000 people were evacuated to a school.

A statement issued by the civil defence headquarters in Manila said 3,000 residents of Santa Rosa Uno, another village near the river were also evacuated.

Police arrested three people on charges of dumping chemical wastes from a plastic factory into the river.