Hailstorm surprises Bohol townsfolk

Ice crystals rained on Pilar town in Bohol province on Friday for about 5 minutes. Photo by DRRMO-Pilar Bohol

TAGBILARAN City, Bohol — Residents of Pilar town were surprised at a hailstorm on Friday afternoon.

The hailstorm started at past noon in Barangay Poblacion, according to Raymund Anania, the town’s disaster risk reduction and management officer.

Witnesses said it lasted for only about five minutes.

The residents were surprised of the hail, the size of a corn kernel.

“We were jolted by the clattering on the roof of our house,” said resident Lemuel Buslon.

Aniana said it was the first time that a hailstorm had occurred in the town.

The hailstorm happened only in Barangay Poblacion. Other parts of Pilar experienced only heavy rains and gusty winds.

There was no report of injury or damage to property caused by the ice crystals that people seemed to welcome as a rare experience, Aniana said.

A hailstorm is nothing to fear since it is simply a natural phenomenon, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

It occurs when high temperatures hit land, causing precipitation to fall to earth as rain but freeze on the way to the ground.