Philippines: Fire in Manila Engulfs Hundreds of Homes

SILVER SPRING, MD. – The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has been responding to the needs of families forced to flee their homes for safety after an early morning fire broke in the capital city of Manila, Philippines.

ADRA implemented a seven-day intervention, providing $5,000 worth of food packs to more than 200 families (more than 1,000 people) staying at a makeshift evacuation center inside of the Maysilo Elementary School within the Malabon area. The packs were supplied with rice, sardines, noodles, mung beans, mixed fresh fruits, powdered milk, cooking oil, salt and sugar. In coordination with local partners, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, and local officials, ADRA prepared and distributed the relief items to the family beneficiaries.

The fire, caused by an explosion of a liquefied petroleum gas tank, broke out in a densely populated residential area. Eyewitnesses described the scene, recounting that some residents tried to seize control of hoses used by firefighters in an attempt to stop the fires from destroying their homes. Nearly four hours later, firefighters successfully contained the fire before completely putting it out.

ADRA Philippines, ADRA Asia Regional Office, and ADRA International funded this intervention.