‘Kristine’ destroys 7 houses in NegOr’s Apo Island

DUMAGUETE CITY - At least seven houses on the renowned dive destination Apo Island in Dauin, Negros Oriental were destroyed by huge waves and strong winds caused by Tropical Storm Kristine, an official said Wednesday. Apo Island barangay chairperson Mario Pascobello told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that five houses in Sitio Baybay were battered by huge waves Tuesday evening and later by strong winds in the succeeding hours. Two other houses were knocked down by a fallen tree near a school in Sitio Ubos, Pascobello added. An estimated 30 individuals were affected and temporarily being sheltered by their relatives and neighbors, Pascobello said. The island has been cut off from the mainland due to the Philippine Coast Guard's suspension of smaller seacraft trips, thus no immediate relief goods were delivered to them. 'We already listed the names of the victims and assessed the damage to their houses and there is no urgent need really to get some relief aid to them as they have relatives who can help them,' Pascobello said in Cebuano. No casualties were reported so far on the island. Source: Philippines News Agency