ORMOC CITY– A woman seeking refuge from Typhoon “Opong” was killed early Friday morning, September 26, when a coconut tree fell on the house where she had evacuated in Barangay Malajog, Tinambacan District, Calbayog City.
Police identified the victim only as “Vilma,” of legal age, single, unemployed, and a resident of Purok 3, Barangay Malajog.
According to the Calbayog City Police Station, the incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. while the victim and several others were asleep inside the house of her cousin’s live-in partner. Initial investigation revealed that Vilma had evacuated there the night before to escape the storm.
At the height of the typhoon, a nearby coconut tree was uprooted by strong winds and crashed into the house, fatally striking the victim. Responding officers found the structure severely damaged upon arrival.
Rescuers from the Calbayog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office brought the victim’s remains to a local funeral home. Police have coordinated with the City Health Office for a post-mortem examination.
(ROBERT DEJON)
