'Ompong' destroys 4 houses in Lanao Sur

LANAO DEL SUR -- Four houses were destroyed in the Lanao del Sur town of Malabang as Typhoon Ompong started to barrel towards northern Luzon Friday evening.

Saripada Lucman Pacasum, Lanao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, said the four houses in Barangay Baguaingud were damaged by flash floods.

Although Lanao del Sur was not within the typhoon's path, Pacasum said its effects in the province displaced several families, who are now staying temporarily with their relatives.

Heavy rains and strong winds, he said, rendered Malabang's main road impassable for almost two hours after the river overflowed. The road was eventually cleared for passage when the heavy rains stopped, he added.

“Our MDRRMO (Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer) in the area did not allow the motorists to cross the bridge and held them for about two hours until it was cleared,” Pacasum said, according to media reports.

The villages of Punong, Mapantao, and Ilian in the town of Picong were also flooded, but no damage or casualty has been reported. Fishermen on Lake Lanao were all accounted and were allowed to go back fishing on Saturday morning, Pacasum said.

“We would like to announce that we have been able to surpass the latest calamity with zero casualty. There is no casualty (among) our fishermen because three days ago, they were already advised not to go offshore because of the risks presented by the enhanced southwest monsoon. Good thing, they listened to us,” Pacasum said.

Lanao del Sur is still recovering from the destruction brought about by Severe Tropical Storm Vinta in December last year that left 18 residents dead. (PNA)