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Others have been forced to fill their washing machines by hand and are unable to run more than one tap at once.

Also, expected to rise in price are apparel, shoes and big-ticket items such as laptops, dishwashers and washing machines.

Prices on larger items with dwindling inventories, such as foreign cars and washing machines, are likely to rise within weeks.

The first wave hit appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, and mechanical and electric parts.

Their view is of the fire debris next door: The husks of a washing machine and dryer.