NATION

Localized whirlwinds hit 10 Ilocos Sur towns

Jasper Dawang · Sep 3, 2026, 2:47 AM

DISASTER response teams execute clearing operations in Barangay Poblacion, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, after localized whirlwinds and heavy monsoon rains damaged 60 homes and affected more than 17,000 residents across 10 municipalities. — PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CABUGAO LOCAL GOVERNMENT/PIA ILOCOS SUR

Localized whirlwinds struck 10 municipalities in Ilocos Sur amid heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon, damaging dozens of homes and affecting thousands of residents across the province, local disaster officials reported.

No casualties were reported following the sudden weather disturbances in Burgos, Narvacan, Bantay, Cabugao, Sinait, Santa Catalina, San Vicente, Santo Domingo, Magsingal and Caoayan.

Rhon Arquelada, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said local disaster response teams immediately deployed to affected areas to conduct damage assessments and begin clearing operations.

The province raised its Emergency Operations Center to red alert status at 8 a.m. on 31 August, intensifying coordination among local disaster offices and preparing land and water rescue assets.

Clearing operations are ongoing involving PDRRMO personnel, local disaster teams, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police, the Department of Public Works and Highways and barangay responders.

The Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative activated its power restoration task force, deploying specialized lineman teams to sub-offices to restore electricity service disrupted by the bad weather.

Provincial data showed that the combined impact of the monsoon and the whirlwinds affected 5,026 families, or 17,371 individuals, across 168 barangays in two cities and 16 municipalities.

Of the affected population, 90 families, or 225 individuals, were staying in evacuation centers, while 68 families, or 214 individuals, were temporarily staying outside official facilities.

Initial assessments recorded damage to 60 houses, including three that were destroyed and 57 that sustained partial damage. Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis teams remain deployed to evaluate the full extent of the property damage.