Manila. At least 2,000 people were left homeless after a massive fire broke out in a residential community in the Philippine capital Manila on Sunday, local officials said.
Firefighter Alejandro Ramos of the Manila City Fire Department told reporters that about 1,000 homes were destroyed in the early morning blaze in Manila.
The Philippine Air Force sent helicopters to use water to extinguish the blaze at a shantytown burning in the Manila Bay area. The Philippine Coast Guard also said it had sent four fire engines to help control the fire.
About 30 fire engines were at the scene to control the fire. However, strong winds from the bay caused the fire to spread rapidly, Ramos said. He said the fire was contained due to the narrow streets.
Firefighters also had difficulty entering the settlement as residents who fled the fire gathered on the streets. The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office declared the fire at 2 p.m. local time. No casualties were reported so far, but some firefighters were injured while fighting the fire.
Police said they are investigating the cause of the fire. Agency