At least nine families were displaced after a storm surge damaged their stilt houses in Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi.

According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), four barangays were affected by the storm surge. These barangays are Luuk Buntal, Tabunan, Tongbangkao, and Tundon.

In Barangay Luuk Buntal, residents were seen salvaging floating wood and planks, which were remnants of their damaged homes following the strong waves that struck the coastal community.

MDRRMO said other structures also sustained damage, including a barangay waiting shed, a school stage, a barangay guest house, and a wooden covered court.

No one was hurt during the incident.

“Pag-strike ng storm surge, pumunta agad yung barangay chairman, nag-announce sa speaker ng masjid, bale naka-MOA po kami na kung may sakuna, storm surge or typhoon, bale gagamitin ang speaker ng masjid at doon magsasalita kung sino ang ma-assign ng barangay for evacuation,” MDRRMO Panglima Sugala head, Sarimar Satara, said.

The local government promptly responded to the needs of the families affected. They are staying temporarily in evacuation centers.

MDRRMO said the storm surge was triggered by the effects of the southwest monsoon or Habagat.