Violent winds destroy houses

Violent winds destroy houses

JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of houses were damaged and trees uprooted
in Jatiasih, Bekasi, when a violent storm with strong winds and
heavy rain struck the area for 30 minutes on Saturday afternoon.

No fatalities were reported.

The storm struck houses suddenly in the Pondok Gede Permai
Housing Complex at around 4 p.m., Antara reported on Saturday.

Residents were panicked and left screaming for help as their
asbestos roofs were destroyed by the winds, with roof tiles
flying off or smashed by falling trees.

Several big trees around the housing complex fell onto
electricity poles and cables.

A 25-meter high radio antenna owned by one resident named
Dhani fell onto his house. A satellite dish was also seen falling
down and breaking into pieces.

A resident named Kamidi said that his house was damaged when
his neighbor's asbestos roof flew off and crashed into his.

Rain poured in, flooding the whole house.

"I was very shocked. Suddenly, there was a loud sound from
above my roof and my wife was screaming for help," he said.

Several houses in Pondok Benda village, Jatiasih, were also
damaged.

The storm also damaged several houses at Bojong Menteng,
Rawalumbu and Jakasetia at Pekayon, which are also located in
Bekasi.

After the storm subsided, residents began fixing their roofs
and clearing away trees which blocked the streets.
(hdn)