'Sudden storm' hits remote Zambo village; 30 houses destroyed

ZAMBOANGA CITY - At least 30 houses were destroyed after strong winds and heavy rains struck a surprised village in Tabina, Zamboanga del Sur, the police reported Tuesday.

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman of Police Regional Office 9 (PRO), said no one was reported hurt in the disaster that hit Barangay New Oroquita.

Quoting belated reports, Huesca said that the "sudden storm" struck the village on Friday night.

Engr. Rey Rubio of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said at least 100 residents were forced to leave their homes during the onslaught. He said several coconut trees were also toppled by strong winds.

Rubio said that the incident was not immediately reported to authorities because the remote village had not phone signal and that only a few vehicle pass through the area.

He said the disaster's damage was pegged at P500,000.