Laoag: Four houses and an animal shelter suffered damage when a tornado swept through the coastal village of Caaoacan on Wednesday morning.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Melvin Manuel, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, confirmed that no injuries were reported during the incident. The swift response from authorities ensured the safety of residents in the affected area.
“We immediately proceeded to the area to ensure the safety of residents,” Manuel stated during a media interview. He added that coordination with the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, City Engineering Office, and the City Social Welfare and Development Office was essential for gathering data and consolidating a report for prompt action.
Ponciana Andres, a resident whose home was affected, recounted her experience. She described hearing a roaring wind above her house while watching television, followed by the roof being blown off and nearby trees being uprooted. “The incident happened so fast,” Andres said in a radio interview. “Everything was a mess.” She noted that it was her first encounter with a tornado of this intensity.
The city government has pledged to provide immediate assistance to the affected families. “After consolidating our report at the city government, we hope to extend assistance within the day,” Manuel assured.
The tornado that struck on Wednesday is the third in five days to hit Ilocos Norte, following similar occurrences in Paoay on Saturday and Pasuquin on Monday, both of which resulted in damaged houses but no casualties.
