Roofs were torn off homes as a tornado-like storm ripped through northwestern Malaysia on Sunday, January 30.
Footage shows powerful winds sweeping away what appeared to be wooden boards and galvanized iron roofs in Ipoh City, Perak state. The debris was seen flying through the air and spinning like a whirlwind, terrifying residents who witnessed the apocalyptic spectacle.
Onlooker Noratika Raai said: ‘I took the video from my room. It’s the first time I have seen anything like that in my life. I only took a short video because I was too scared to stay outside.’
The violent weather phenomenon happened on January 30 evening, just a few days before the Lunar New Year.
A spokesman for the Perak Fire and Rescue Department said no injuries have been reported so far. He said: ‘We have received reports that trees were felled and houses damaged,” he said. “No one is reported to be hurt at this moment. We are still monitoring the situation.’
The extent of the damage caused by the storm is still unknown, but authorities estimate hundreds of households to be affected. Ipoh Barat parliament member M. Kulasegaran said: ‘We estimate that hundreds of houses are involved in [Kampung Tawas and Taman Tasek Damai], so it is hoped that the victims will lodge police reports immediately to get help.’
Ipoh City Councilor Albert Ho said the Kampung Tawas community hall has been opened as a temporary relief centre for residents whose homes were devastated.