Four fishermen went missing at sea and several houses were damaged in the municipality of President Carlos P. Garcia (CPG) after violent weather struck the island-town yesterday afternoon.

According to Insp. Eranio Rigidor of the CPG police, the fishermen were already near Leyte when intense winds and rains hit the island-town and its surrounding areas causing their boats to capsize.

The four who went missing, identified as Alvin Mahusay of Barangay Bonbon, Arnel Sopilanas, and married couple Nicolas and Lenora Limbo, all residents of Barangay San Vicente in CPG, were safely brought back to land by authorities in a search and rescue operation.

Meanwhile, strong gusts and heavy rains damaged several houses across four barangays in CPG town and at least 30 fishing boats.

The strong winds knocked down trees which hit electric posts causing a total black out in the island.

Rigidon said that the violent weather lingered in the area for almost four hours which led to severe damage in properties.

There have been no reports of casualties so far, Rigidon added.

The island-town’s mayor, Fernando Estavilla, told barangay captains to assess the needs of those affected by the burst of rain and gust as the CPG local government unit prepares to extend aid to victims of the calamity. (with reports from Allen Doydora)