Twister ravages banana plantation in North Cotabato

MLANG, North Cotabato, Philippines—A twister  swept through a banana plantation in two villages here Friday, leaving an estimated P6 million in damage, an official said Saturday.

Mayor Joselito Piñol said the “freak tornado,” which developed amid a dark cloud formation and strong winds, struck the villages of Lepaga and Gaunan, which are host to more than 50 hectares of agricultural land planted to Cavendish bananas.

Piñol said the bananas were due to be harvested  within the week when the tornado struck about 4 p.m.

Informed of the incident, Piñol convened the municipal agriculture council to determine how to help the banana farmers affected.