ILOILO – Strong waves pounded coastal barangays of Concepcion town over the weekend, destroying at least 114 fishing boats and dealing a severe blow to the livelihood of island communities, according to initial damage assessments by local disaster officials.
According to the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) conducted by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), 31 fishing boats were totally damaged while 83 were partially damaged, with most of the affected vessels coming from the island barangay of Igbon.
MDRRMO head Bryan Gabayeron said the figures remain preliminary and may still increase as validation and data-gathering continue in affected areas.
“Amo ini ang nagkalaguba kag nagkalalunod tungod sang dalagko nga mga balod. Kasubo tulokon nga makita ang amo sini nga nagakatabo tungod amo man lang ini ang pangabuhian sang mga taga-isla,” said Barangay Igbon resident Airose Calinao.
Calinao said residents were unprepared for the sudden surge of large waves that struck the boats moored along the shoreline during high tide.
Many of the vessels were made of light materials and were easily damaged.
Aside from fishing boats, the MDRRMO also recorded 15 partially damaged houses and two totally damaged homes in Barangays Dungon and Polopiña.
Several makeshift storage sheds made of light materials in Barangay Igbon were likewise destroyed, as well as cottages at a beach resort in Barangay Malangabang due to strong winds and pounding waves.
Affected residents are now seeking assistance from the Concepcion local government to repair or replace their damaged pump boats, which serve both as their primary fishing equipment and means of transportation to the mainland.
“We are truly grateful to the Tourism Office of Concepcion for their quick response, kindness, and willingness to accommodate our needs on short notice. They ensured our safety, helped us find proper arrangements, and assisted us throughout the unexpected situation,” said Dolly Lacao, whose group was relocated after their cottage was damaged./PN
