Sudden whirlwind hits Kupang

Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara

Torrential rains followed by whirlwinds on Monday hit Kupang, the capital of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province, destroying at least 68 homes, two churches, a hospital and NTT Police headquarters.

The whirlwinds, which ravaged the city for about a minute, toppled hundreds of trees and billboards along the main thoroughfares.

Naikoten 1 subdistrict, Oebobo, was the worst-hit area with 45 houses badly damaged. The whirlwind detached the roofs of the houses and carried them as far as 100 meters away. It also damaged a kindergarten building, the official residence of a local clergyman, a hospital, the Advent Children's Clinic and the police headquarters.

In Sikumana and Naikolan subdistricts, both in Maulafa district, 22 homes and a Pentecostal church were badly damaged, while three other homes were destroyed.

A St. Yoseph elementary school student, who was on his way to school on foot, was found pinned underneath a fallen tree. He was severely injured. Several residents in the area rushed him to Kupang General Hospital.

Kupang Mayor Semual Kristian Lerik said the administration would provide emergency assistance in the form of 50 kilograms of rice per family and a grocery allowance this week.

The municipality may also provide building materials to victims of the disaster to restore public facilities, especially hospitals, churches and schools. "We will discuss it first with the public works office," Semual said.

NTT Police chief Brig. Gen. Edward Aritonang has dispatched a team of officers to help clean up debris from roads.

Several victims said the natural disaster hit without warning.

"Strong winds came up suddenly. In less than a minute, roofs were destroyed and trees uprooted," said Yesaya Amalo, a resident of Naikoten 1.