Big waves destroy houses, wharf in Jolo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Big waves battered the coastal villages of Jolo, Sulu, destroying close to 300 houses and a wharf, Mayor Hussin Amin said Tuesday. 

Amin said the storm surge struck his town for the last four days since Saturday, affecting more than half of his town comprising of eight barangays. 

Among the barangays affected were Tulay, Takot-Takot, Chinese Pier, Walled City and Bus-Bus that were submerged by flood waters due to the storm surge and sudden high tide. 

Amin said his house was also partially damaged by the surge. 

Amin said they were also verifying the reports that a young boy was reportedly killed by the surge.

“Big waves brought by the storm surge battered the coastal barangays here since Saturday and residents have already been evacuated,” Amin said in a phone interview.

Based on their ground assessment, he said the storm surge already destroyed more or less 300 houses, many of which were those houses built in the coastal areas.

He said the storm surge also damaged some 20 meters of the wharf were Roll-on Roll-off ships dock.

The Jolo mayor said they have yet to assess the exact amount of damage as the storm surge continues to batter his town.

The Sangguniang council of Jolo is expected to declare a state of calamity for the national government to release the necessary calamity emergency fund, Amin said. 

Amin also appealed for the possible relief assistance to be extended for the displaced residents affected by the storm surge in Jolo.