VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur — At least 10 houses were partially damaged after a strong whirlwind swept through two villages in Burgos, Ilocos Sur, on Sunday evening, August 30.
Ilocos Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Rhon Arquelada said the incident occurred at around 6 p.m. at the height of heavy rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon, or Habagat.
No injuries were reported.
The whirlwind struck Barangays Manaboc and Bangbangar, damaging the roofs of several houses and some garages and uprooting trees due to strong winds.
According to the Burgos Municipal Police Station, barangay officials alerted authorities about the whirlwind while police were conducting situational monitoring in the municipality through handheld radios.
Police personnel and members of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office immediately responded to verify the reports and assess the damage.
Authorities assisted affected residents and helped move them to safer areas while clearing operations were conducted in the affected communities.
Arquelada said the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office remains on heightened alert as heavy rains associated with the Habagat continue to affect the province.
As of 11 a.m. Sunday, at least 52 families from 15 towns in Ilocos Sur remained in evacuation centers for their safety amid the continuing heavy rains, he said.