ILOILO — At least 11 houses were damaged after a tornado (buhawi) struck barangays Galang and Sta. Rita in the municipality of Oton, Iloilo, on the evening of October 7.
According to the Oton Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), three were totally destroyed while eight houses sustained partial damage as strong winds ripped through the two barangays. The incident also toppled Iloilo Electric Cooperative I (ILECO I) electric poles and uprooted trees, causing temporary power outages in the affected areas.
Residents recalled that the tornado formed following a heavy downpour accompanied by thunder and lightning. Within minutes, it tore through the community, leaving behind scattered debris and damaged rooftops. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Mayor Sofronio Fusin immediately led the local government’s response team to the affected sites to assess the damage and provide initial assistance to the displaced families.
“The safety of our residents is our top priority. We are working closely with concerned agencies to extend aid to affected families and restore electricity as soon as possible,” Mayor Fusin said.
The Oton local government has coordinated with the ILECO I, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), and other concerned agencies to facilitate relief efforts and ensure the swift restoration of basic utilities in the affected barangays./PN
