By Jong Cadion
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| Part of the commercial area in Brgy. Poblacion Kabasalan |
KABASALAN,
Zamboanga Sibugay – At least only one injured after a strong whirlwind
(Tornado) stroke the commercial center of Kabasalan leaving more than 5-million
damage at about 3:45 dawn on September 15, 2012.
The
injured identified as Bebot Baricua, 45 years old married, Pedi-cab driver was
hit by the debris on his feet while he was standing at the terminal. He was
rushed immediately to Kabasalan Pathfinder Hospital for treatment.
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| Part of the commercial area in Brgy. Poblacion Kabasalan |
In
the initial assessment reports by the Municipal Engineers Office, the Barangay
Poblacion where the old public market, the new Agora and the Bus terminal
located were mostly damaged particularly the roof that obtained more than P2.5-million
damage.
The
GARBA warehouse located at the adjacent Barangay of Goodyear was totally
collapsed by the Tornado with estimated damage near P3 million pesos.
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| GARBA Warehouse in Bgry. Goodear was totally damage |
“We
are very thankful that the incident happened at dawn were people slept or else
if this had happen daytime where many people are doing business many will die,”
Mayor George Cainglet said.
The
Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (LDRRMC) of Kabasalan Municipality
convened in the following morning found difficulties of releasing the calamity
funds for the initial assistance to the victims.
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| GARBA Warehouse in Bgry. Goodear was totally damage |
Accordingly,
under the new law 70 percent of the calamity funds is intended for the
prevention operations and 30 percent is allotted for the quick response operation
but the Tornado incident was not included in the calamity funds because the building that was damaged is
owned by the municipal government and there was no massive evacuation or
displaced families.
The
roof and garage of Kabasalan Municipal Police Station was partially damaged
that also includes the roof of the Bureau of Fire Protection and Municipal Jail,
COP P/SInspector Fernado Enriquez Gregorio also said.
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| GARBA Warehouse in Bgry. Goodear was totally damage |
However,
the local LDRRMC will find ways to extend assistance to the GARBA warehouse
owned by the cooperative that was totally collapsed that incurs help.
Mayor
Cainglet initially released P500 thousand pesos for the purchase of materials for
the immediate repair of their public market while Cong. John-John Jalosjos
promised to release at least 100 pieces of GI Sheets.
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| GARBA Warehouse in Bgry. Goodear was totally damage |