Tornado destroys IP houses in Occidental Mindoro

A total of 32 indigenous peoples families from the Iraya Mangyan tribe have to spend the night in the cold after a tornado tore through their homes Thursday night at the height of Typhoon Hanna.

According to a report by Saleema Refran on GMA's 24 Oras, the families from Barangay Tubili, Paluan, Occidental Mindoro said they were surprised when the violent rotating column of air that accompanied the strong rains lifted portion of roofs of their homes, leaving them soaking.

"Yung bahay ho namin na ito nahagip pa yan ng ano, kasi yung uga ng bahay, hindi na ganyan, kundi kwan na, ganyan o para siyang paikot, kaya alam ko agad na ipo-ipo ang dumaan dito," Ric Ortega, a resident, said.

Lolito Mamildang, his wife and kids were sleeping when the tornado struck.

"Pasalamat naman ko kami na wala namang nangyari sa amin," he said.

Erminio Daluson, 87, tried to repair his home with leaves.  Neighbors helped him locate his roof, which they found in the nearby river.

Mamildang appealed for help in repairing their homes.  Many of them earn a living through farming.

"Ang hihingiin ko pong tulong ay pambubong man lang, pambubong at pako.  Kami'y naghihirap talaga.  Hanggat hindi na kwan ang panahon, talagang mahirap talaga, kaya ako nahingi ng tulong," he said.

The families are temporarily sheltered at the Apis Minority Elementary School. —LDF, GMA News