Ilocos Sur Whirlwind Victims Receive Housing Materials Aid

Families whose homes were damaged by a recent whirlwind in Masingal town, Ilocos Sur, have received housing materials from the municipal government to aid in their recovery. The local government unit of Masingal distributed the materials to affected families from several barangays as part of its recovery and rehabilitation efforts. Government records indicate that at least 60 houses in the province were either damaged or destroyed by strong winds. The incidents occurred between August 31 and September 1, when tornadoes or tornado-like winds battered several parts of Ilocos Sur, damaging houses and other structures and sending roofing materials and debris flying. In San Ildefonso, a tornado struck Barangay Pudoc Norte at approximately 12:10 a.m. on September 1, tearing off the roof of a house. No injuries were reported. Tornado-like winds were also reported in nearby Caoayan, while strong winds damaged houses and structures in Cabugao, Sinait, and Narvacan. In Cabugao, strong winds swept through the town at approximately 5 p.m. on August 31, with videos shared by residents showing roofing materials and debris being lifted by the winds. A similar incident was reported in Barangay Zapat in Sinait, while five beach cottages in Barangay Sulvec, Narvacan, were damaged. In Bantay, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office conducted inspections and clearing operations in areas affected by the reported tornado. Response teams removed debris and other obstructions and monitored conditions to ensure public safety and keep roads and public areas accessible. The incidents took place amid the prevailing southwest monsoon, or "habagat," which has been bringing periods of heavy rain and strong winds to parts of Northern Luzon. Local authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the damage in affected communities and are conducting inspections and clearing operations to ensure public safety and keep roads and public areas accessible. As of the latest reports, no fatalities or injuries had been reported from the tornado-related incidents. —KENNETH P. TABIN/CONTRIBUTOR Source: Inquirer NewsInfo