A HAILSTORM hits La Castellana, Negros Occidental on Thursday, June 18. (MDRRMO)
BACOLOD CITY – A hailstorm battered Barangay Robles, La Castellana, Negros Occidental on Thursday afternoon, June 18.
John de Asis, head of the La Castellana Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), said the hailstorm that lasted between five to 10 minutes occurred during a thunderstorm that began at around 4 p.m.
Authorities learned about the hailstorm through a social media post. Responders arrived in the area and the marble-sized hailstones had started to melt. No damage was reported from the hailstorm but strong winds toppled trees that crashed onto two houses.
Winds damaged the roof of the public market, an auditorium, and a sports complex under construction.
De Asis said assessment teams are conducting inspection to determine the full extent of damage. No injuries were reported.
He reminded residents that hailstorms can occur during thunderstorms, particularly during the rainy season, and urged the public to stay alert and regularly monitor weather advisories.
De Asis urged people to coordinate with authorities during severe weather to ensure prompt response and maintain public safety.