Tornado destroys 26 houses, classroom, chapel in Pangasinan

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — At least 26 houses, a classroom and a chapel were destroyed when a tornado hit Sitio Lapog, Camagsingalan in Sual town at about 10 a.m. of July 17, according to the Police Provincial Office (PPO).

Fortunately, no person was hurt when the tornado whipped the village. This also disconnected electric lines causing several hours of brownout in the area.

Mayor Roberto Arcinue, along with Senior Inspector Leo Llamas, immediately rushed to Sitio Lapog to spearhead clearing operations and provide safety services to affected residents.

The displaced families were relocated to an adjacent covered court and the barangay hall where they will stay until their damaged houses are repaired.

No pupil was inside the damaged classroom when the tornado struck since it was a public holiday.

The police report did not indicate what religious denomination the damaged chapel belongs.

The extent of damage has not yet been determined.