Tornado destroys homes, 3 school buildings in Maguindanao

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines - At least a dozen houses and three school buildings were destroyed by a tornado that ripped through a village in South Upi town on Tuesday afternoon, before Typhoon "Glenda" made landfall in Bicol region.

The municipal disaster risk reduction and management council of South Upi, located in the second district of Maguindanao, said in a report that the tornado that struck Barangay Kigan also flattened more than two hectares of corn planted on hilly areas.

The occupants of the damaged houses have been evacuated to the barangay hall and nearby houses of their relatives.

The local goverment unit has extended initial relief assistance to the affected families.