This is the terrifying moment a tornado collected debris as worried residents watched in the Philippines.

The twister was seen by locals blitzing through homes in the town of Bacolor, Pampanga province, on June 22.

Lightning flashed inside the swirling air column before the howling winds ripped roof panels from homes, vacuuming the debris into the sky as the tornado intensified.

Resident Galang Mercado said: 'Fortunately, no one in our family was hurt. We are still overwhelmed by what happened since we rarely see tornadoes.'

Local media reported that the tornado blitzed through neighbourhoods, damaging around 26 houses, five business establishments, and a church. Among the affected buildings were the Cabalantian Church with shattered stained glass windows, and a fuel station along the highway.

Heavy rain fell soon after the whirlwind's onslaught, authorities said.

In a statement, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said: 'Some homes were reported with minor damage, detached power lines, and fallen trees.'

Local authorities were clearing the strewn debris.