LAOAG CITY – Four houses, as well as an animal shelter, were hit by a tornado in the coastal Barangay Caaoacan in this city on Wednesday morning.
Dr. Melvin Manuel, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said no one was reported hurt during the incident.
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"We immediately proceeded to the area [to] ensure the safety of residents," Manuel said.
"First, we coordinated with the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, City Engineering Office, and the City Social Welfare and Development Office to gather all data and consolidate a report for immediate action," he added.
Ponciana Andres, one of the affected residents, said she was watching television when she heard roaring wind on top of their house. Shortly after, their roof was blown off and nearby trees were uprooted.
"The incident happened so fast," she said. "Everything was a mess."
Andres said it was the first time she experienced a tornado of such intensity.
The city government, meanwhile, vowed immediate assistance to the affected families.
"After consolidating our report at the city government, we hope to extend assistance within the day," Manuel said.
Wednesday's tornado was the third to hit Ilocos Norte in five days, after Paoay on Saturday and Pasuquin on Monday. Both left damaged houses but no casualties. (PNA)