For the latest updates on Typhoon Lawin (Haima), go to our live blog
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – The provincial government of Cagayan said it is possible that 100% of houses in Tuguegarao City were either partially or fully damaged by Super Typhoon Lawin (Haima), which hit land on Wednesday night, October 19.
A Rappler reporter who is now in the provincial capitol said most houses and several commercial establishments were destroyed by the typhoon. Even the roof of Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba's house was blown away.
Lawin was a super typhoon when it made landfall in Peñablanca, Cagayan at 11 pm on Wednesday. According to the provincial disaster team, strong winds have been persistent for more than 10 hours in Tuguegarao City since past midnight.
Lawin has since weakened into a typhoon, but the destruction is evident in Tuguegarao, where the typhoon scattered debris and uprooted trees. It also toppled dozens of electric posts. (READ: Tuguegarao mayor: Lawin damaged some evacuation centers)
As of Thursday, October 20, clearing operations as well as relief efforts are already underway in the city. There are no reports yet on the situation in towns away from Tuguegarao City since communication lines are still down.
Meanwhile, the typhoon has started to move away from the country. – with reports from Raymon Dullana/Rappler.com