In pics | 15,000 residents lose homes as fire rages through Manila shantytown

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

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

A resident pours water on a fire as it destroys hundreds of houses at an informal settlers community in Delpan, Tondo, Manila on February 7. (AFP Photo)

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

Fire officer Edilberto Cruz said seven people suffered minor injuries in the fire that broke out Tuesday night then quickly spread. No fatalities were reported.

Residents occupy a street with their belongings following an overnight fire that swept through their community, left, near the port in Manila, Philippines. (AP Photo)

Three evacuation centres were opened, and food and water are being provided to the 3,000 families who lost their homes, said welfare officer Regina Jane Mata.

A resident pours water on a fire in Delpan, Tondo, Manila. (AFP Photo)

But hours after the blaze was put out, many of the people were still huddled on a nearby road with their belongings, including clothes and even washing machines and electric fans.

A boy cuts the electric wire after a fire destroyed more than hundreds of shanties at a community of informal settlers. (Reuters Photo)

The fire snarled traffic, blocking delivery trucks going to and from the port.

Fire victims gathers along a street after a fire destroyed more than hundreds of shanties. (Reuters Photo)

Fire victims stay at a makeshift along a street after a fire destroyed more than hundreds of shanties at a community of informal settlers, according to authorities, in Parola Compound, Tondo city, metro Manila, Philippines. (Reuters Photo)

Fire victims sift through the debris following the overnight fire. (AP Photo)

Residents look on as a fire destroys hundreds of houses. (AFP Photo)