Manila: Huge fire engulfed a closely-built shanty community in the port area of Manila, leaving at least 2,000 families homeless, according to City’s disaster management office.
The blaze, which erupted in the morning, destroyed about 1,000 homes constructed from light, combustible materials.
Firefighter Alejandro Ramos of the Manila City Fire Department said the fire spread quickly due to strong winds from Manila Bay and the narrow streets of the residential community, which made firefighting efforts difficult.
The area, home to illegal settlers, was densely populated, and fleeing residents crowded the streets, complicating access for emergency responders.
In response, the Philippine Air Force deployed helicopters to drop water over the burning area, while the Philippine Coast Guard sent four fire boats to assist in containing the flames.
Approximately 30 fire trucks arrived at the scene, but the fire’s rapid spread proved challenging to control.
The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRM) declared that, the blaze took eight hours to put out.
Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, though some firefighters sustained injuries while battling the blaze. An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire, which is often found to be faulty electrical wiring.
This incident comes just months after another deadly fire in Manila’s Chinatown district, which claimed the lives of 11 people.
Emergency services are continuing their work in the area, providing support to displaced families and assessing the damage caused by the fire.
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