NEWSFLASH

TAWI-TAWI FOLK HIT BY GIANT WAVES SEEK GOVT AID

Tawi-Tawi, Jan. 28, 2000 - Some 5,000 residents of Tawi-Tawi who were rendered homeless by giant waves are appealing to the national government for help in the rehabilitation of their damaged properties and other infrastructure facilities.

Their appeal was coursed through Rep. Nur H. Jaafar of the lone district of Tawi-Tawi, who said about P40 million worth of property were lost or damaged by the waves.

Giant waves washed away more than 300 houses in the island municipaliaties of Sapa Sapa, Simunol, Ungos Matata, and Tandubas in Tawi-tawi.

Jaafar said that more than 5,000 residents were left homeless. Most of them are now temporarily staying in government buildings, health centers, and schoolhouses.

Jaafar appealed for relief goods and clothing for the evacuees.

Giant waves struck the island province of Tawi Tawi before midnight Saturday, destroying hundreds of houses and leaving at least 5,000 people homeless, Jaafar said. He added that roads in the affected municipalities were badly damaged and need immediate restoration.