Major fire raged for hours in slums of Manila

The fire brigade in the Philippine capital said that at least 2,000 families or around 10,000 people lost their roof over their heads in the flames.

According to authorities, the fire broke out in the residential area of ​​Isla Puting Bato in Tondo district – a slum bordering a container terminal in the port area of ​​Manila.

There were initially no reports of deaths. Authorities said several firefighters were injured during the operation.

Fire spread rapidly

According to the fire department, the fire, with a previously unknown origin, spread rapidly in the area. The residential buildings there are mainly made of light and quickly combustible material, the streets in between are narrow, and the wall facing the port area is very high, explained operations manager Alejandro Ramos.

The fire brigade had to use ladders and first break through some parts of the wall to gain access to the fire zone. The Coast Guard and the Philippine Air Force supported the firefighting effort. The fire was only considered extinguished after eight hours.

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