Century-old Dakit falls on 2 houses

CEBU, Philippines - Two houses in Barangay Kamagayan, Cebu City were damaged after a century-old, 25-foot Dakit tree collapsed yesterday.

The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said successive rains and strong winds last week weakened the tree. No one was hurt in the incident.

“Ang naka-trigger sa mag-fall sa tree gumikan sa katiguwangon, kusog nga hangin dala sa habagat ug successive rains last week nga nakapahumok sa yuta,” said City Councilor David Tumulak.

Tumulak, the chairman of CCDRRMC, said the houses were being rented by Mario and Theresa Español. The tree hit the living room of one house and the kitchen of the other.

“Timing kaayo nga wala na-injure kay nakagawas daan ang tagbalay,” he said.

The fence of the property where the tree once stood was also damaged due to the strong impact of the fall.

The city’s disaster team was able to remove the tree from  the houses late afternoon yesterday. The branches were chopped up and turned over to the barangay. 

Tumulak said the affected family will be given housing materials such as galvanized iron sheets and plywood initially but damage will be reassessed to determine if there is a need to augment the assistance.

“Mag-assess ta. Ang atong assistance mag-depende sa damage o unsay naguba sa properties,” he said.

Tumulak is expected to notify the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the incident today. CCDRRMC  is also planning to either trim or cut down several huge fruit trees in the area that pose danger to the residents.

 “Duna ta’y ipaputol nga mga kahoy kay nakita nato nga peligro. Dili na ta magpaabot pa nga matumba na usab,” Tumulak said, adding, that barangay officials should take the initiative of cutting the trees down when they see that these are no longer safe.  (FREEMAN)