15,000 residents of a shantytown beside Manila’s port have lost their homes in a fire

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

Fire officer Edilberto Cruz said seven people suffered minor injuries in the fire that broke out yesterday night then quickly spread. The cause is under investigation.

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

Many people were huddled on a nearby road with their belongings, including clothes and even washing machines and electric fans.

Social welfare officer Regina Jane Mata says three evacuation centers have been opened, and food and water are being provided to the 3,000 families who lost their homes.