MARIT STINUS-CABUGON
THE province of Lanao del Norte was hit hard by Typhoon “Vinta” last December 22. About 130 persons were reported killed while several are still missing. Damage to infrastructure was estimated at P152 million while the agriculture sector sustained P200 million worth of damage. One of the most severely affected towns was Munai, a small town surrounded by mountains. In years past, the Philippine Army’s artillery was pointed towards the mountains, prepared to repel attacking enemy troops. This time, the deadly attack came in the form of torrents of water. More than 20 residents perished in landslides and floods when the Liangan River swelled and, filled with rocks and logs, washed out houses, schools and people.