Whirlwind Devastates Homes, Displaces Families in Pagadian City

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — A whirlwind (ipo-ipo) tore through coastal communities in Barangay White Beach here on Friday afternoon, July 24, destroying houses and displacing dozens of residents. City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) chief Engr. Vince Quipot said response teams were immediately deployed to assess the damage and ensure the safety of affected families. Initial assessments showed that three houses were destroyed while five others were damaged after the whirlwind, which struck amid heavy rains and strong winds. No injuries or fatalities were reported. READ: Whirlwind damages 20 houses in Negros Occidental town Quipot said damage assessment is continuing in coordination with concerned local government offices to determine the extent of losses and facilitate assistance for affected residents. Village councilor Merryhill Rabanos said at least 50 people were displaced and are temporarily staying with relatives in nearby areas. She added that the barangay hall also sustained damage during the incident. “Even the displayed plaques were destroyed by the strong winds. Luckily, the building itself remained intact,” Rabanos said. The village council said it is coordinating with the city government to secure assistance for affected families as recovery efforts continue. /das