DAVAO CITY – Barangay 23-C in Davao City was battered in the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 13, when strong winds and tornadoes wreaked havoc in the area.
According to a Facebook post by Ry Llanes, garbage and debris were seen swirling through the streets, posing a significant threat to residents and their properties. The intensity of the winds escalated rapidly, leaving the community stunned and concerned for their safety.
Promptly responding to the situation, the Davao Central 911 swiftly arrived at the scene to provide assistance and ensure the well-being of the affected residents.
In the aftermath of the storm, residents recounted the terrifying ordeal they had experienced. Adriano Ferrer Jr., a resident, recalled being abruptly awakened by the roaring winds.
He said, “I was just sleeping when suddenly there was a loud noise, and I woke up to see roofs flying… It was very dangerous… it only lasted for about a minute.”
Melanie Niones, another resident, shared her account, stating, “It started with light rain, so I went up to the terrace to put away some things, but after a while, the rain intensified suddenly, along with strong winds… even they were shouting because it became dangerous, they were even sleeping… it was quite shocking.”
Numerous roofs were ripped off and carried away by the powerful winds. The coastal area, predominantly composed of houses made from light materials and wood, suffered significant damage.
The initial assessment conducted by the barangay revealed that 109 houses were partially damaged, while 12 houses were completely destroyed. Additionally, four boats were left in ruins due to the destructive force of the winds.
Captain Alimodin Usman, the head of Barangay 23-C, recounted the experience, stating, “Around 12:50, we felt the sudden tornado coming from the sea… it started here… the tornado began there, and I witnessed it… heading towards Barangay 26.”
While there were no reported casualties during the incident, the tornado caused an estimated damage of P300,000 to P400,000. The affected residents now face the challenging task of rebuilding.
Currently, the affected area remains without electricity supply, further compounding the difficulties faced by the residents. The barangay authorities are actively working to provide assistance and support to the affected families in their time of need.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office has initiated an assessment and validation process to evaluate the extent of the damage and determine the necessary measures to aid the affected residents.
