SIBU: A powerful storm accompanied by heavy rain swept through Sibu Jaya on Saturday afternoon, damaging residential houses, commercial premises, and other buildings, while uprooting trees across the area.
The storm, which struck between 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm, tore roofs from several houses, while strong winds caused damage to a number of business premises and other structures.
Several trees were also uprooted.
Fortunately no casualties or injuries were reported.
A resident, who declined to be named, said the weather changed abruptly before strong winds battered the neighbourhood.
“It happened so quickly. We only heard a loud bang before seeing pieces of roofing being blown away. It was a very frightening situation,” he said.
He added that most of the affected homeowners were at work when the storm struck and only learnt about the damage after neighbours informed them once the weather had subsided.
Another resident said the community spirit was evident as neighbours immediately came together to help safeguard the victims’ belongings after conditions became safe.
“We moved their belongings to safer places and covered the damaged sections of the houses to prevent rainwater from getting inside while waiting for the homeowners to return,” he said.
A third resident said that although the storm lasted only a short time, it left a trail of destruction, damaging numerous houses, buildings and business premises, while bringing down several trees.
“The wind was much stronger than usual. Thankfully, no one was injured because many residents were away from home when it happened,” he said.
A visit to the affected area found that several houses had sustained extensive roof damage, with roofing materials and broken tree branches strewn across the surrounding neighbourhood, highlighting the force of the storm.
Residents expressed hope that the relevant authorities would carry out an immediate assessment of the damage and provide assistance to affected families.
The total number of houses, buildings and business premises affected, as well as the estimated losses, is still being assessed by the authorities.
Photographs and videos of the incident have since gone viral on social media, showing the extensive damage caused by the storm.
Meanwhile, a temporary evacuation centre (PPS) has been be opened at 7:00 pm at the Sibu Jaya Community Hall to accommodate those affected by the storm.
The exact number of victims and households affected has yet to be confirmed..
