ILOILO – A tornado ripped through houses and streetlights in Pototan, Iloilo Wednesday, raising concern that local officials may declare a state of calamity in the area.

Initial reports said the tornado damaged 44 houses in Barangay Pajo in Pototan, Iloilo Wednesday afternoon. Of the 44 houses, 16 were totally destroyed while 28 were partially damaged.

Streetlights and farms were not spared by the tornado’s destructive strong winds while some residents also sustained injuries. Among those injured were four-year-old John Frich and Nestor Ferraris.

Lazar Biba and her family temporarily sought shelter at a relative’s house after their home was destroyed by the tornado.

Residents said it was the first time that they have experienced a tornado in their barangay.

Local officials are now checking the number of families affected by the tornado before approving a resolution that will declare a state of calamity.