Tornado ravages Iloilo City; 81 homes destroyed

‎ ILOILO CITY — An alleged tornado struck this city Saturday night, destroying 81 homes made of light materials, ripped roofs, uprooted trees, toppled concrete electric poles, and scattered items sold by street vendors. ‎ “Ang aton priority subong amo ang safety sang aton mga residente, pagbulig sa mga apektado, kag mapadasig ang clearing operations (Our priority now is the safety of our residents, helping those affected, and expediting clearing operations),” said Mayor Raisa Treñas in a statement Sunday. ‎ State weather bureau PAGASA did not verify the incident but was classified as an alleged tornado, locally known as “buhawi." ‎ The Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) said affected areas include portions of Mandurriao, Jaro, and La Paz Districts. ‎ Eighty-one families were displaced as of 11 a.m. Sunday. Their homes made of light materials were either partially damaged or totally damaged. ‎ The Iloilo City government, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Police Regional Office-6, fire brigades, and MORE Power are conducting clearing operations. ‎ Treñas urged people to stay alert at all times as rain and strong winds continue. ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎