Antananarivo - One person was killed and eight were injured in a fire that tore through the Madagascan coastal beach front Foulpointe (Mahavelona), local media reported Tuesday.

At least 2,800 residents of the area were left homeless, after a fire that started Monday destroyed 556 houses and cottages, including a hotel with 25 bungalows.

According to initial reports, no foreigners were injured in the fire, which occurred near the port city of Tamatave.

Tamatave Mayor Gaston Edouard Volahy stated that more than 70 per cent of the tourist area was taken by the fire, which had been stoked by strong sea winds to raze hotels, shops, restaurants and residences.

Only Bungalows lying directly on the sea were spared.

The fire department based in Tamatave was only able to react only hours after the start of the fire, which also completely knocked out electricity supply before it was brought under control. (dpa)