A waterspout or “ipo-ipo” hit a community in Opol, Misamis Oriental and damaged 17 houses afternoon on Thursday, July 18, 2024.
Authorities said some trees fell and some properties were damaged.
According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the waterspout started from a grassy portion and struck the houses before it moved toward the sea.
Residents observed the waterspout getting stronger when it moved to the sea, which lasted for several minutes, before it dissipated.
“Nakatudlo sa amo nga didto siya nagsugod sa may highway dapit pasulod siya. So wala siya sa dagat kay kung gikan sa dagat wasak to nga area. So gikan sa highway nakabuylo-buylo lang siya gamay padung sa mga balay kay niagi man siya og fish pond,” MDRRMO Chief, Engr. Romel Lonoy, said.
No one was reported hurt in the incident.
The local government is set to give assistance to the families affected.
State weather bureau PAGASA explained that waterspouts are formed over a body of water when there is a strong thundercloud called supercell.
“So, once kining duha ka different temperature nga mga hangin mag-meet sila so naay horizontal nga sheer nga mahitabo. So pag-meet nila naay vortex nga mahimo nga rotating wind so maka-create siya og funnel cloud o mao na siya ang ginatawag nato nga mesocyclone,” PAGASA Mindanao Weather Specialist 1, Raul Montilla, said.
Authorities advised the public to move to safer ground when a waterspout strikes as this may carry debris.
