3 dead, thousands homeless after night fire in Kenyan slum

Nairobi Jan 29 (IANS) Three persons were killed and thousands were left homeless following a fierce blaze that broke out in a Kenyan slum here an official said on Monday.

The National Disaster Management Unit Deputy Director Pius Masai said they fear the toll from Sunday s fire that affected 6 000 families might rise.

Multi-agencies were still combing the scene in efforts to know more about the fire that broke out in Lang ata s Kijiji slum around 9 p.m. on Sunday Xinhua news agency reported.

"We appeal to anyone missing a family member to report to Lang ata police station or at the command post " he said adding that one of the deceased had been identified.

The fierce flames sparked by a short-circuit tore through hundreds of the closely built structures leaving thousands of residents with huge losses.

Masai also appealed for donation of food and non-food items. The affected people were camping at a school and there was a threat of an outbreak of disease.

--IANS
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