Latest news with #MohdRowiDollah
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Family's beach holiday cut short after violent storm batters resort
BACHOK: A relaxing beach holiday turned terrifying for a family when a violent storm struck Kemasin Beach Resort in Kampung Kemasin on Monday, toppling trees and damaging property. In a 30-second TikTok video posted by user @tirahsopi0, a woman is seen enjoying a cheerful day at the resort with her family before the situation quickly turned dangerous. The clip shows her and other holidaymakers seeking shelter in the resort foyer as strong winds uprooted trees and damaged vehicles parked nearby. "Hopefully everyone is safe. Luckily, we managed to run in time, the tree fell right where my family had been sitting," she said. The storm, believed to be the worst in 16 years, caused widespread destruction. Resort owner Datuk Mohd Rowi Dollah said losses were estimated to exceed RM70,000, including damage to six all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), several food and merchandise stalls, and recreational facilities such as chairs. Locals also shared their experiences in the comments section of the viral video, warning others about the sudden change in weather. "I was working in Bachok and saw the sky getting dark around 5pm. It wasn't windy, but it looked like rain was coming. By Maghrib, the storm hit hard at my house. If you're near the beach and the sky turns dark, it's best to head home, these coastal winds can be very strong," said Atikah Ismail. No injuries were reported, although many were left shaken by the intensity of the storm.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Climate
- New Straits Times
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.
