Storm surge (pugada) hits two coastal towns of Iloilo

CEBU, Philippines - Hectares of fish ponds and sea vessels were destroyed after a "pugada" pummeled two coastal towns in Iloilo province.

Pugada, a local terminology for a weather disturbance associated with storm surge or the rise above normal level of seawater due to wind stress on the water surface, was first felt in Estancia town around 11 a.m.

Senior Insp. Ronan Betita, Estancia Police chief, said it lasted for a few minutes, "but it was enough to wipe out sea vessels docked at the town's feeder port."

Initially, the police counted two passenger pump boats and at least 20 motor boats to have been destroyed after strong wind coupled with a sudden surge of heavy rains battered the sea crafts.

Less than an hour later, the village of Talisay in Barotac Nuevo town also experienced the same thing. Since it was high tide, the sudden rush of water and strong wind damaged hectares of fish ponds there.

The devastation was felt all over the village, as water level rose to about one meter and temporarily flooded scores of houses within the radius of five kilometers.

Senior Insp. Ronan Perante, Barotac Nuevo Police chief, said the water level subsided after more than an hour.

Strong winds were also felt in other parts of the province, as well as in Iloilo City. Local authorities are now assessing the damage brought about by the incident. — (FREEMAN)