(241124) — MANILA, Nov. 24, 2024 (Xinhua) — Firefighters try to put out a huge fire engulfing a slum area in Manila, the Philippines on Nov. 24, 2024. At least 2,000 families were left homeless after a huge fire tore through a residential community in the Philippine capital on Sunday, local authorities said. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
On November 24, 2024, a massive fire broke out in a slum area of Manila, Philippines, leaving approximately 2,000 families homeless. The blaze, fueled by strong winds from Manila Bay and the use of combustible materials in the densely populated area, destroyed around 1,000 homes. The fire began in the morning and was declared extinguished by the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office by early afternoon.
Firefighting efforts involved around 30 fire trucks, fireboats from the Philippine Coast Guard, and helicopters dropping water over the affected zone. Narrow streets and the heavy movement of fleeing residents complicated the response. Although there were no reported fatalities, some firefighters sustained injuries. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, which has left thousands displaced and temporarily housed in evacuation centers​.
Such incidents are common in the slums of Manila, where informal settlements are prone to fires due to overcrowding and unsafe living conditions. Residents are now in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and shelter.
No human fatalities have been reported, slum fire in Manila, Philippines. However, some firefighters sustained injuries during the response. The authorities are continuing investigations into the incident.
