Strong winds, rains damage houses, hurt 14 in Tupi, South Cotabato

Fourteen people were hurt and at least seven houses were damaged when strong winds and heavy rains pummeled six barangays in Tupi, South Cotabato.

The localized thunderstorm lasted only a few minutes, but was strong enough to also bring trees to the ground.

In fact, trees fell on the national highway and disrupted vehicle traffic.

The damage to the houses was caused by trees falling on the structures.

Two of the people hurt, both women, sustained injuries when branches fell on them as they were taking shelter under a tree at the height of the weather disturbance. They are recuperating in the hospital, as of this writing (late Friday evening).

"Yung nangyari kahapon sa Tupi, possible po yung thunderstorm. Itong thunderstorms dala po ng cloud na tinatawag nating cumulonimbus clouds. Kung maapektuhan po tayo, nito possible tayong makaranas ng malakas ng bugso ng hangin, malakas na buhos ng ulan, posibleng may kasama itong hailstorm, at may kasamang pagkidlat at pagkulog," said Roy Jumawan, weather observer at PAGASA in General Santos on Friday, May 30, 2025.

Aside from winds and rain, residents in the barangays affected also experienced hail for the first time.

"Biglang  bumuhos ang malakas na ulan  tapos after five minutes biglang lumabas na yung mga ice so na-shock kame kasi first time namin actual na naranasan na mahawakan ang mga ice," said Gemma Malazo, a barangay councilwoman. — GMA Regional TV