Tornado hits SWU

CEBU, Philippines - A cyclonic tornado hit Cebu City yesterday morning damaging at least seven classrooms of Southwestern University. 

Oscar Tabada, chief of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophy-sical and Astronomical Services Administration in the Visayas, said this type of tornado is formed as the locality experiences tropical cyclone as in the Philippines’ case tropical storm Mario.

“Duha man na ka-klase sa tornado: cyclonic and convective. Ang katong nasinati nato gahapon, cyclonic to siya kay duna man tay bagyo, si tropical cyclone Mario,” Tabada said.

Strong winds accompanied by rainwater were experienced in the city and Borbon town yesterday.

SWU sustained damage to its building surrounding the Aznar Coliseum as the roof and ceiling were removed by the strong wind.

The tornado affected seven classrooms of the Anunsacion Barcenilla-Aznar (ABA) Building where Maritime and Education Departments hold classes.

Police Station 2 chief Wildemar Tiu said the ground floor of the building was also flooded, affecting the canteen. 

“Ang mga atop ra ang nangalangkat, kusog gyud to, di gyud normal mora’g gilukot ug gibuslotan ba, lahi ang pagkalukot, dili normal ang hangin” Tiu said.

Alvin Santillana, head of the Cebu City Risk Reduction Management Office, said no residences or civilians were harmed as the tornado hit past 5 a.m.

The house of Councilor Noel Wenceslao was located 20 meters away from the damaged school building.

Waterspout

Meanwhile, at least four barangays in Borbon town were affected by a waterspout.

Baltazar Tribunalo Jr., chief of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said Barangays Antigua, Cadarohan, Poblacion, and Lugo were hit by the waterspout.

Fortunately no damages and casualties have been reported to PDRRMO. The waterspout only triggered flooding in those barangays. — Jessa J. Agua, Bryner L. Diaz with Michael Vencynth H. Braga/FPL