Sekinchan residents picking up the pieces of broken rooftops and debris in the aftermath of a freak storm that ripped through the area. Families whose homes were destroyed are left to recover from a night of terror and heavy losses.

SABAK BERNAM: A storm that struck Parit 4, Sekinchan, caused significant damage, with a hawker suffering losses of approximately RM120,000 after part of his home was destroyed.

Describing it as a test during Ramadan, Azman Mastol, 58, said this is the first time such an incident had occurred in the area where he grew up.

During the storm early yesterday, he and his wife were at their eldest child’s home in Putrajaya.

“I was informed by my neighbours and rushed back immediately. Upon arrival, I saw that the roof, especially in the kitchen area, was destroyed. Rainwater had flooded the house, damaging furniture and electrical appliances.

“I feel sad because this house is usually the place where my children and grandchildren gather during Hari Raya. With the current condition, we may have to celebrate at our daughter’s house in Putrajaya this year,” he said when met at his home, reported Bernama.

G. Rani, 40, described the experience as terrifying, recalling how she rushed to rescue her fouryear-old daughter who was sleeping upstairs before the section collapsed.

“I noticed the strong winds and immediately brought my daughter downstairs. My family and I could only pray in the living room, hoping to stay safe,” she said.

Recalling the harrowing experience, motorcycle mechanic B. Murukayah said he was taking a shower when the storm hit, ripping off the roof and destroying the kitchen of his home, where he lives with his wife and three children.

He likened the incident to a movie scene with debris from walls and rooftops, along with rubbish being carried away by strong winds, followed by sparks from electrical cables.

“In that moment, my only concern was my family’s safety. We stayed inside, but it was terrifying because we didn’t know where to run,” he said.

Most houses at the scene suffered severe roof damage, with many household items and appliances damaged due to heavy rain during the storm.

Also present at the scene were personnel from the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Social Welfare Department, Kuala Selangor Municipal Council and Tenaga Nasional Bhd.

Earlier, Selangor JBPM operations division assistant director Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar reported that the storm affected eight houses but did not result in any injuries or fatalities.