Freak tornado, heavy rains destroy P200K agri products in Mlang

KIDPAWAN CITY -At least P200,000 worth of agricultural products were destroyed when heavy rains accompanied bywhirlwind hit several barangays in Mlang, North Cotabato, officials said.Ferdinand Pinol, Mlang town administrator, said newly planted palay were devastated by the Wednesday afternoon phenomenon that affected most the village of Buayan. We are yetto receive consolidated reports from our agriculture technicians in order to determine the total damages tocrops,” Pinol said. Pinol said the cost of damages may increase as validations are on going in other affected villages. He said initial reports were only provided by farmers from the villages of Buayan and Pagasa. Pinol said aside from the rice fields, the agriculture’s office also reported damages inbanana plantations in Barangay Gaunan and Dugong. Villagers claimed a tornado hit the villages.At least three residential houses were also partially damaged including a tricycle. Undetermined numbers of trees particularly in Barangay Poblacion and within the town plaza were uprooted. Electric posts in some areas were also affected that led to at least six hours of outages. Pinol said the town’s disaster management team will meet on Monday to discuss possible intervention to affected farmers. Surely the LGU will give assistance to affected residents, he said. Mlang disaster workers clear a road in Barnagay Buayan following a devastating rain and strong winds on Nov. 11, 2015. (Williamor Magbanua)