Medan hit by storms

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Rain and gusts of wind pounded the city for two hours on Thursday, leaving trees scattered in the streets and destroying some houses.

There were no reports of casualties, the Antara news agency reported.

Many motorists were caught in the rain when some main roads flooded, causing huge traffic jams. A number of districts also had blackouts.

One huge tree nearly fell on the former palace of Deli's sultan, the report said. (emb)