Hurricane sweeps 80 houses

SEMARANG: A hurricane destroyed more than 80 houses in six villages in the Pekalongan regency on Thursday evening, the Antara news agency reported.

Some villagers were injured but there were no fatalities, Pekalongan regency spokesman Moch. Asfar Wahab said. The six villages affected are all in the Sragi district.

A total of 252 people are now being accommodated at temporary shelters set up in the community hall.

Before the hurricane the villagers were rejoicing because rain was falling for the first time in months, signaling an end of the long and severe dry spell. But the celebration turned sour when the hurricane suddenly swept the area. (emb)