Twister Hits South Cotabato

A strong twister hit a remote village in Tantangan town in South Cotabato Wednesday afternoon, destroying at least eight houses and four classroom buildings in the area.

Tantangan Mayor Arnold Garingo said the strong winds brought by the tornado struck Barangay New Lambunano at the height of the heavy rains in the area at around 3 p.m. Wednesday, wrecking the houses and classrooms along its path.

The mayor said he and some municipal government personnel were distributing school supplies to pupils of the New Lambunao Elementary School when the twister came.

"The wind suddenly blew heavily and then plowed through the houses. I saw several roofs and personal valuables being blown away by the twister," he said.

Garingo said he immediately mobilized the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council personnel to assist the affected families and assess the extent of the damage wrought by the twister.

He said they initially distributed relief goods and will work out the release of shelter assistance to the affected residents.