RM1mil in losses from mini tornadoes in Kedah

ALOR SETAR: The mini tornadoes that occurred in Kedah recently have damaged more than 100 properties, causing losses of around RM1mil.

The state received reports of four such twisters since the first one took shape in Pendang on Oct 14, said Kedah state executive councillor Datuk Mohd Tajuddin Abdullah.

“The damaged homes have been surveyed, and repair works would resume as soon as possible,” he told reporters during a visit to Kampung Nonang in Jalan Batas Paip here yesterday.

The most recent mini tornado hit Kedah on Wednesday.

It destroyed more than 20 premises, carried a car away, ripped off a goat pen and caused fear among residents. There were no fatalities.

Housewife Che Tom Ahmad, 55, whose house was damaged the most, said she was “emotionally disturbed”.

“I couldn’t sleep because I will recall that scary moment on Wednesday every time I close my eyes,” she said.

“I shake with fear whenever I hear even a gust of wind,” said Che Tom.

“And, I pray hard that the tornado would not happen again.”

The state government promised to provide counselling to the traumatised villagers, said another state exco, Datuk Suraya Yaacob.

“Doctors from the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital psychiatric department will be speaking to the villagers,” she added.

This is the first time the department is being roped in to assist in a disaster, she said.

“I will ensure that the students who are sitting for their SPM will not be stressed more than they already are.”