2 kids hurt, over 20 homes damaged in San Juan, Batangas

Two children were injured by a piece of roof that fell while at least 20 homes were damaged by the strong winds and rains of Typhoon Tisoy in San Juan, Batangas.

According to a Wednesday report on Balitanghali by John Consulta, 6-year-old Dave Brillion and his 10-year-old sister Diana were wounded after a tree fell on top of their home and dislodged the roof.

Dave sustained a gash in his head that had to be stitched up in a hospital.

“Parang ipo-ipo. Tapos pagbagsak, pinasok ko na kaagad sa loob ‘yung mga bata,” their father Danilo said.

The father also lamented the damaged sustained by their tricycle, which was his only source of livelihood.

“Unang una ‘yung paghanap buhay ko ay habambuhay ‘yun e,” Danilo said.

Mayor Ildebrando Salud and other local officials conducted ocular inspections of the affected areas to see the extent of the damage firsthand.

“Maganda ‘yung sadyang na-ocular mo, nakitang mong sadyang ang mga damages ay gano’n. Para doon namin ibabase kung ano ang aming maitutulong,” he explained.

Meanwhile, some homes in Catmon and Tikalan also sustained damages due to the typhoon.

The local government has assured residents that they will be given financial assistance.

The evacuees have already been allowed by authorities to return to their homes.

Before they were sent home, all evacuees--adults and children alike--danced to the rhythm in a “Zumbarangay” held by local authorities to ease their fears and trauma.

The power remains out in 42 barangays across Batangas.

Officials said it may take a few days before electricity is restored due to the damage caused by Tisoy.

In its latest Severe Weather Bulletin, state weather bureau PAGASA lifted all Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals across the country.

Tisoy is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.