15,000 residents lose homes as fire rages through Manila shantytown

About 15,000 residents of a shantytown beside Manila’s port have lost their homes in a fire that raged overnight before being put out Wednesday morning, officials said.

Fire department officials said 1,000 homes were gutted in the sprawling Parola Compound, where several families often share tiny houses running along narrow alleyways.

Fire officer Edilberto Cruz said seven people suffered minor injuries in the fire that broke out Tuesday night



then quickly spread. No fatalities were reported.

Residents occupy a street with their belongings following an overnight fire that swept through their community, left, near the port in Manila, Philippines. (AP Photo)

Three evacuation centres were opened, and food and water are being provided to the 3,000 families who lost their homes, said welfare officer Regina Jane Mata.