A devastating fire swept through a coastal shanty town in the Philippine capital, Manila, on Sunday, displacing at least 2,000 families and leaving around 8,000 people homeless. The fire, which blazed for nearly eight hours, destroyed approximately 1,000 houses in the densely packed stilt homes of Isla Puting Bato, located in the Tondo district.
Drone footage captured by the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office depicted the intense orange flames engulfing the makeshift dwellings in the squalid area. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, incidents in Manila slums are often attributed to faulty electrical wiring or gas canisters.
Tondo, Manila's largest slum area with a population of about 654,220 residents, is known for its congested streets and shabby living conditions near a bustling commercial port. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties resulting from the fire.
Residents of Isla Puting Bato were seen fleeing the flames, with some using makeshift rafts to escape into the sea, while others attempted to salvage their belongings amidst the chaos. Elvira Valdemoro, a 58-year-old shop owner, expressed her devastation at losing her home and livelihood, especially with Christmas approaching.
Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan visited the affected area to assess the situation and provide support to survivors. She assured residents that assistance would be provided, urging them to register for evacuation to temporary shelters where meals and supplies would be distributed.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the fire, Mayor Lacuna-Pangan emphasized the importance of unity and support during this challenging time, expressing hope that the affected families would be able to return to their homes soon.
