MELAKA: Terrified pupils of SJK (C) Malim here fled from their classrooms crying after a freak tornado-like storm hit their school on Tuesday (Aug 11).
The school’s headmistress Ho Siew Ling said the pupils were gripped by fear when a strong gust of wind ripped apart the rooftop of the school accompanied by a thunderous sound.
“I don’t think the school can forget Aug 11 as it was a terrifying moment and I was there witnessing the whole episode, ” she said when interviewed here.
Ho said she had her teachers to thank for selflessly ensuring the safety of the pupils during the 10.10am incident.
“My teachers promptly ran to the aid of the pupils despite the catastrophic situation and we were all composed. I quickly ran to switch off the main electricity supply to prevent a fire, ” she said.
She said the teachers took turns to call the Fire and Rescue Department, police and alert the state Education Department on the incident.
Ho said the school’s management board and the parents and teachers association members also rushed to help the school.
“They were all there in a few minutes after being alerted as well as the medical team in ambulances, ” she said.
She said the medical officers treated six injured pupils in the 10.10am incident and luckily they only suffered minor injuries.
“Teachers will do a psychological impact assessment on the affected pupils in a house-to-house visit. I will also call for a meeting with the parents of the affected pupils on Wednesday (Aug 12), ” she added.
Meanwhile, a Melaka Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said apart from the six injured, 22 others were observed for trauma at the school’s hall.
Tuesday's storm also caused damages to several cars and properties in Malim, Batu Berendam, Taman Merdeka Permai and Klebang.
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