By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – A three-hour power outage affected residents of Murcia in Negros Occidental and parts of Bacolod City after a tornado struck Hacienda Puyas, Barangay Blumentritt, Murcia, on Thursday afternoon.
The Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) reported that the power interruption occurred at around 2 p.m. near their substation.
Strong winds from the tornado caused power outages along the Bacolod-Alijis 69 kV sub-transmission line, disrupting electricity supply to the Alijis and Murcia substations and their respective feeders.
Residents and businesses in the affected areas experienced sudden power interruptions as the extreme weather phenomenon swept through, according to NEPC.
The power firm confirmed that there were no reports of significant structural damage to their facilities.
However, initial assessments revealed that fallen tree branches and debris became entangled in power lines, prompting immediate clearing and repair operations.
NEPC’s technical teams were deployed to inspect the damage, remove obstructions, and restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
The company urged the public to remain cautious and report any downed power lines or electrical hazards in their areas.
Meanwhile, the Murcia Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office attributed the tornado to extreme heat, which may have triggered strong winds.
A video of the tornado, captured by motorists and residents, circulated on social media.
The tornado lasted for about 15 minutes, damaging the roofs of a warehouse and other structures.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Rescue teams are continuing to assess the situation.
NEPC confirmed that power was fully restored after three hours.
