When they were searching for Sis. Remember that Sorceress from the future? She wanted Ellone's powers. She ordered a search of every coastal town. They already hit up a few smaller towns and burned them to the ground.

[ Towns without a name. ]

Balamb was next on their list. My Ma kept the town calm when they were invaded. Kept the peace and all of that until I got back with my friends.

[ For a moment, Jim can see the Galbadia army wandering the streets and standing guard outside of the hotel's entrance. ]