Freak Tornado in Cagayan de Oro Affects 210 Families in Total

By: Elaine O. Ratunil

CAGAYAN DE ORO NEWS ONLINE – Some 210 families have
been affected by the freak tornado or local thunderstorm locally known as “ipo-ipo,” that
occurred in Cagayan de Oro City at 3:10 p.m., last July 29.

At least three (3) persons were injured during the incident, two (2) of whom were
hospitalized while one (1) was treated as out-patient.
The affected families came from Zones 9, 10 and 12 and Diamond Valley of
Barangay Bulua and Zone 7 and ApoVel Subdivision of Barangay Patag,
Described as a sudden occurrence of strong winds in funnel-shape from the sky
down to the ground in powerful twisting motion rapidly devastating houses along its path,
the incident destroyed a total of 197 houses, of which 151 were partially damaged and 46,
totally damaged.
Regional Director Carmelito A. Lupo of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and
Chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC)
said the City DRRMC has already conducted an ocular inspection and damage assessment of the

affected areas.
“They are now looking into the needs for construction of houses for those who were hardest hit by
the incident, he said.

Likewise, restoration of the electric power line in the area have been conducted by the Cagayan
Electric Power and Light Company (CEPALCO).

Meanwhile, Al Legaspi, Punong Barangay (Village Chief) of Bulua said the affected
families who were temporarily sheltered at the Barangay Hall and in the chapel have
returned to their homes.

Initial assistance of food and non-food items provided by the City Social Welfare and
Development (CSWD) to the victims included rice, canned goods, plastic mats and blankets,
he said.

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