5 killed as tornado hits Sulu village

ZAMBOANGA CITY,Philippines   – At least five villagers, including a one-year-old infant, were killed while nearly 20 people sustained injuries when a tornado struck a village in Jolo, Sulu Thursday, authorities said.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Tanalgo, commander of Task Force Comet, said hundreds of families were also displaced in coastal areas as a storm surge battered the island province. 

Tanalgo said elements of the 3rd Marine Brigade, equipped with rubber boats, rescued many residents stranded in downtown Jolo Thursday night as floodwaters swelled to about eight feet, affecting major streets connecting eight barangays.

US forces deployed in Sulu to conduct training and assistance to local soldiers also helped in the rescue operation.

Jolo Mayor Hussin Amin said the tornado hit the upper part of Barangay Asturias as floodwaters cascaded to the lower portion of the village.

Citing a partial report, Amin said the flooding affected at least 1,140 families.

Tanalgo said some 700 families were forced to evacuate as the storm surge battered coastal villages in Panamao town.