Thunderstorm damages more than 20 houses in Ipoh

IPOH: Over 20 houses at Kampung Gugusan Manjoi and Taman Keledang Raya here were damaged during an evening thunderstorm.

Roofs of several homes were ripped off, while furniture, placed outdoors, were also blown away.

The thunderstorm started at about 5pm and lasted for about an hour today (Jan 6).

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, who visited the houses and families affected by the thunderstorm, said the state would now focus on assisting the victims.

He said the Ipoh City Council is currently cleaning up several fallen trees, while Tenaga Nasional Bhd are trying to re-connect the electricity supply to the affected homes.

“I will organise for a gotong-royong to help repair houses that were damaged.

“Victims who want to take up temporary shelter are to adhere to instructions from the local authorities,” he said.

“I also urge the victims to report to the police to ease the process of getting help.

“For their safety, please remember to take along all important documents,” he added.

Ahmad Faizal said the bond between the people in the community here is strong and they would lend a hand to help the victims.

Some villagers are currently seeking temporary shelter at a nearby surau at Kampung Kolam.

Meanwhile, at Bukit Merah, near Gunung Semanggol, there were 36 flash flood victims at PPMS Batu 6.

These included four families, with 23 adults and 13 children.