Freak tornado destroys 17 houses in S. Cotabato

KORONADAL CITY - At least 17 houses were destroyed by what villagers believed wasfreak tornado that swept through three villages in Tupi, South Cotabato Friday, officials today said.Most of the partially damaged homes were made of light materials in Barnagay Tubeng, Acmonan and Poblacion.Tubeng Barangay Chairman Leonardo Pandat said rain with strong wind occurred in the village at pas 2 p.m. when a tornado slashed through residential areas and farm lot. The wind was so strong that it toppled roofs of seven houses in our village, Pandat told Radyo Bida Koronadal. Also damaged were corn fields, banana and papaya plantations.Nobody was hurt in the incident, Pandat said.The local government of Tupi has already extended emergency assistance to affected families.But disaster officials said simple strong winds hit the villages and not tornado as some residents claimed.