Tornado destroys 6 houses in Davao Sur

MAGSAYSAY, Davao del Sur -- At least six homes were destroyed after a tornado hit the areas of purok 1, 2 and 4 in Barangay Bacungan at around 3 p.m. Monday.

Carlos Alindahaw, 71, told Sun.Star Superbalita that he was scared out of his wits when a strong gust of wind slammed at him and tore the roof of his house apart.

The house of Jocelyn Domingo was also destroyed by the tornado, including the homes of Jubert Gorabel, 36; Joy Sanchez; Angelita Paterno; Omping Embodo; and Ponciano Sarmiento.

Allan Alindahaw, former village councilmember, said he witnessed the incident, which is the first to hit their area.

"Ah nabalaka lagi ko, ang akong mga anak tua ra ba sa school atong higayona (I was disturbed. My children were at school at that time)," Alindahaw said.

According to other residents, they were astounded by the strong gusts of wind and heavy rains.

The waiting shed near a public school was also destroyed.

Several trees were uprooted, including the corn on the one-hectare farm owned by Rene Boy Villanueva.

Five mango trees owned by Nonito Rodriguez were also uprooted and the banana plantation of Elpina Carnonazo was flattened.

Mayor Jess Lumanog has visited the affected areas to investigate.

According to Lolemer Egos, action officer of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, they are still conducting further investigations to determine the damage caused by the tornado.

The local government is set to give assistance to the affected families.

However, residents are grateful that no one died nor injured in the incident.

Village councilman Emmanuel Vasquez said they are set to determine the type of assistance they will give to the victims. (Orlando B. Dinoy)