Like a tornado", says resident after freak storm damages many Ipoh homes | The Star

IPOH: A large number of homes in Taman Tasek Damai and Kampung Tawas were damaged during a freak storm.

Roof tiles were blown off while electricity poles were also felled during the 6.40pm incident on Sunday (Jan 30).

It is yet to be determined how many households were affected.

Some residents had described the incident as being hit by a "tornado".

Canteen operator Cheah Kim, in her 50s, said it was just drizzling but the wind was "very strong".

"I saw my neighbour's roof being blown away.

"My own roof and ceiling have given way," she said when met.

"I was fortunate not to be injured," she added.

Housewife Teoh Boh Chee said it was the first time she had experienced such an incident.

Teoh said her roof was badly damaged while the ceiling in her house gave way.

"I have been staying here for about 50 years and never seen anything like this before.

"I am really at a loss for words," she said.

"I am not even sure how I will celebrate Chinese New Year, which is just days away," she added.

Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran, when met, advised residents to lodge police reports.

"They can ask their state assemblyman to assist them to get aid from the state government," he said.

A Perak Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said they received a report at about 6.40pm.

"We have received reports that trees were felled and houses damaged.

"No one is reported to be hurt at this moment," the spokesman said.

"We are still monitoring the situation," he added.

Housewife Chai Yun Lian, 71, who was cooking during the incident, said she heard noises that sounded like firecrackers.

"I look out the window and saw the roof awning and tiles flying off.

"A short while later, the electricity supply was cut," said Chai, who was staying with her husband and a grandchild.

"A number of tiles on my roof also was blown off.

"It will be hard to get a handyman to do the repairs as most have already closed up for the Chinese New Year festivities," she added.

Ipoh City Councillor Albert Ho said the Kampung Tawas community hall has been opened for residents to seek shelter if they have nowhere to go.

"I understand that some of the elderly will have nowhere to go, while some will decline or will go to their relatives' house.

"I have requested the Welfare Department's assistance to send some mattresses here" he said.

"I have also requested Tenaga Nasional Bhd to repair and reconnect electricity to some houses as soon as possible," he added.