KOTA TINGGI: The storm that hit Tanjung Sedili here yesterday afternoon, which is said to be worst in 30 years, was likened to a “small tsunami”.
The two-hour downpour, which started about 3pm, and then followed by strong winds, caused damage to 291 houses and several government buildings, as well as uprooted 20 trees.
One of the affected resident, Rosli Gumri, 57, said only his 11-year-old son Mohd Fahrin Rosli and nine-year-old grandson, Adam, were in his shop house when the storm struck.
“Although, we are used to having strong winds here, but the storm yesterday was terrifying. It happened so fast, the strong winds ripped off the roofs of houses...it was like a tsunami,” he told reporters when met at his shop house near Pekan Sedili, here today.
Meanwhile, Mohd Fahrin, who was still traumatised by the incident said it was a terrifying moment for him.
“I can’t believe that I, myself, went through the experience. Suddenly, there was a loud noise, like a tree falling and I immediately took Adam to sit under a table for shelter,” he said, adding that he only left the house about 30 minutes later and went to his grandfather’s house.
A general worker, Shazrul Faiza Mat Noor, 33, said he was glad that all his family members were safe.
“Only my Myvi car was badly damaged when a coconut tree fell on it,” he said.
For residents staying along the beach, he said, having strong winds is normal.
“Despite the strong winds, I thought it was just like any other day until I heard a gushing sound like the wind spinning and when I looked at the trees, they were all bent, and then one of the trees fell on my car.
“At that time, we were crying out the call for prayer and when it stopped, there was a trail of destruction with the roofs of houses ripped apart and fallen trees,” he added.
The storm reportedly started at about 3pm and caused damage to 291 houses and a few government buildings, including Sedili Besar Health Clinic, police quarters and several schools. It also uprooted 20 trees.
Among the villages affected are Kampung Teluk Jeri Luar, Kampung Teluk Jeri Dalam, Tanah Putih and Kampung Sri Gading. — Bernama
