3 days ago
Powerful storm damages 78 houses in Larut
LARUT: A powerful storm swept through Taman Kamunting Perdana and Kampung Jelai, Batu Kurau here, this afternoon, damaging a total of 78 houses.
One of the victims, Nor Azahar Mohamed Noor, 56, recalled the terrifying moment when the storm struck around 4.15pm as he was inside his home in Taman Kamunting Perdana.
"I suddenly heard an incredibly loud roaring sound from the wind.
"I immediately rushed outside and realised that a powerful gust was sweeping through the neighbourhood," he said when met tonight.
He added that the wind intensified just moments after he recited the azan.
"I had never seen or heard anything like it. The windstorm was so strong that I was stunned as I watched the main roof of my house get ripped off.
"My wife and children, who were inside, screamed in shock when they saw the roof over the living room completely blown away," he added.
Another victim, Mahamat Sopian Mat Hussin, 52, said he was shocked to find that the front section of the roof of his house carried away by the storm for over 500m.
"It's hard to describe the force of the wind. Imagine, my roof was lifted and blown more than 500m away from my home.
"My iron swing, weighing almost 100kg, was also lifted from outside the house and carried 100m to a neighbour's house, while the car garage was also completely destroyed by the storm," he said.
Mahamat, who has lived in the area for 13 years since retiring from the military, described this as the most severe storm he has ever experienced.
"Despite losing my house, I'm grateful that my wife and children are safe," he added
He urged government agencies and the relevant authorities to help repair the damaged homes quickly, especially with Hari Raya Aidiladha just around the corner.
Meanwhile, Larut Umno division secretary Mohd Amran Abdul Rahman said his team has stepped in to gather information and provide immediate assistance to affected residents.
He added that contractors would be appointed to repair all the damaged houses before the upcoming celebration.
However, he advised all victims to file police reports to facilitate the repair process.
