BY IAN OCAMPO FLORA & PRINCESS CLEA ARCELLAZ

BACOLOR — A tornado destroyed several houses and other establishments in Bacolor town on Thursday afternoon, June 22.

Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Rio Villafania said the tornado hit at around 5:30 pm near the residential communities of La Tiera Solana and Casa Real Homes.

Several cars along the streets were also damaged by flying roof sheets blown off by strong winds.

Fallen trees and other debris have blocked segments of major roads but were immediately cleaned by municipal government personnel.

Several barangays experienced power interruptions as several electric posts were damaged along the McArthur highway from Barangay San Vicente to Don Bosco Academ y.

The tornado also damaged the main façade of the Saint Joseph Parish in Barangay Cabalantian.

The church’s stained-glass panels and portions of the roofing were severely damaged.

Local authorities reported no casualties but more than 21 houses and other establishments were damaged.

Angie Blanco, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM) Officer, said Barangay Cabalantian sustained the biggest damage during the onslaught of the weather disturbance.

“Tinamaan itong mga private subdivisions. Nagliparan ang kanilang mga bubong. Itong Shell gas station naapektuhan din, bumagsak ang bubong pati ang garahe nila. Ang pinakamalaking damage ay ‘yung Baytra Supermarket sa Sitio Banlic,” Blanco said.

The cost of damages caused by the tornado is still being determined by the Municipal DRRMO, added Blanco.

“May mga injuries na naitala pero naidala naman agad sa ospital and thankfully, wala tayong casualty dahil sa buhawi,” Blanco said.

She said the provincial government is ready to provide assistance to affected residents under the Emergency Shelter Assistance program.