Hailstorm, heavy rains, strong winds hit Koronadal, South Cotabato villages

KORONADAL CITY, Philippines – A hailstorm occurred in the border villages of this city and Tampakan, South Cotabato, Tuesday afternoon, following sudden rain with strong winds, officials and residents said on Wednesday.

Arnold Fernandez, purok (community) leader of Wanabe in Barangay San Roque here, said at least 20 houses made of light materials were damaged by heavy rains and strong winds at 3:30 p.m.

Ice as big as mongo beans reportedly rained in Purok Wanabe during the heavy downpour and strong winds ripped off ceilings of some houses, Noraly Canja, a resident of Purok Wanabe, told reporters.

Heavy rains, thunderstorms and strong winds also wiped down banana trees of Lapanday Food Corporation and corn fields in Barangay Kapalbig, Tampakan, South Cotabato.

Canja described the strong winds as a “tornado” that came after thick dark clouds covered the skies of Purok Wanabe.

She said a whirlwind with thunderstorms ripped through the banana plantation. She and her children were lucky enough to move to a warehouse nearby before the wind destroyed her home.  SFM