SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan government has approved an allocation of RM400,000 to repair houses damaged during a recent storm in Kampung Baru Ayer Hitam, Kampung Dusat and Felda Lui Barat in Jempol.

Senior state executive councillor Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said repair works began yesterday under the supervision of the district disaster committee and are expected to be completed within a week.

“Currently, 25 individuals from six families are being housed at the temporary relief centre at SMK Lui Barat, where they will remain until the repair works are completed,” he told Bernama.

It was reported that more than 80 houses in Felda Lui Barat and six houses in Kampung Baru Ayer Hitam in Jempol were damaged due to the storm and heavy rain on Saturday evening.

One of the victims, Vidawati Khalid, 48, said she and her two siblings incurred losses of nearly RM30,000 after their respective houses were damaged in the storm.

She said it was the first time such an incident had occurred, adding that her family was terrified as they witnessed the whirlwind tear through their home, ripping off the roof.

Vidawati said she and her two children managed to escape.

“I remember seeing the strong winds swirling through the living room. Thankfully, we took shelter in a bedroom before making our way to my mother’s house to seek safety,” she said.