Bachok's Kampung Kemasin hit by worst storm in 16 years
BACHOK: A powerful storm believed to be the worst in 16 years tore through Kampung Kemasin here on Monday, bringing down dozens of trees and damaging vehicles and property.
Villager Mohamad Yahya, 67, said storms were not uncommon in the area, but this one was the most severe in recent memory.
"It was the strongest storm I've seen. We've had storms before, but they were nothing like this," he said at the Kemasin Beach Resort today.
Resort owner Datuk Mohd Rowi Dollah said he was at the resort waiting to perform Maghrib prayers when the storm struck, likening it to a waterspout or whirlwind.
He said he rushed to the sound system control area to make an announcement, urging the more than 700 visitors at the resort to take shelter.
"I'm grateful no lives were lost. One guest had breathing difficulties due to shock, but I'm relieved everyone got to safety quickly."
Rowi estimated losses exceeding RM70,000 due to damage to six all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), several food and merchandise kiosks and recreational facilities, including chairs.
Some visitors' cars were damaged by falling trees.
The storm and strong winds struck about 7.30pm on Monday, affecting parts of Bachok district, including Kemasin, where many casuarina trees were uprooted.
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