Thunderstorms hit 14 families in Antique
San Jose, Antique -- Thunderstorms hit 14 families in Odiong, San Jose, Antique some 4 kilometers away from Sibalom going to the province's capital San Jose.
Rodel Esler, Civil Defense Deputized Coordinator of Sibalom reported that at about 2PM of June 4, 2006 residents of Barangay Odiong were disturb of the whirl winds that hit their area. There are 71 individuals directly affected, eight suffered minor injuries.
In terms of property 6 houses and poultry were totally damaged, 7 houses and 2 rooms of Odiong Elementary School were partially hit with the total cost of damages amounting to P334,000.00
Thunderstorm is a local storm generated by thermal instability in the atmosphere and represents atmospheric violent convections. It is the ultimate manifestation of the growth of the cumulus cloud. It develops due to several factors such as radiational cooling of cloud tops, heating of cloud base from the ground and frontal effects.
Broderick Train, Provincial Civil Defense Officer encouraged everyone to be prepared during calamities. The local disaster coordinating council should be functional and responsive in any calamities or disasters.
In the case of that thunderstorm the local disaster coordinating council conducted emergency management activities such as formation of Dagyaw Rescue Alert Group (DRAG). DRAG medical team assisted the victims with minor injuries while the Barangay Disaster Coordinating Council (BDCC) led the evacuation of affected families to their temporary shelters. Antique Electric Cooperative conducted clearing of debris on electrical wires while police officers maintain security and order.
Emergency food aide and medicines were also provided by the Municipal Government of Sibalom while BDCC formed Bayanihan group with DRAG that help in the construction of temporary shelter of the affected families.
In anticipation of the rainy months where calamities and disasters might happen the local government units are urged to activate their local disaster preparedness teams and allocate funds for any eventualities. People are also encouraged to maintain healthy and sanitary surroundings to get rid of water borne diseases these rainy months.
(PIA/PS Mabaquiao )