A SUDDEN tornado is believed to have damaged at least 93 homes in Negeri Sembilan, including 83 in Felda Lui Barat, nine in Kampung Baru Ayer Hitam, and one in Kampung Dusat, according to local residents who dispute initial claims that the destruction was caused by a regular storm.
The severe weather event occurred at approximately 4.15pm on Saturday.
Vidawati Khalib, 48, a resident of Felda Lui Barat, recalled the terrifying moment she and 14 family members were inside their home during a heavy downpour.
“Suddenly, a strong wind spun into the living room through the open door. The swirling wind damaged everything and tore the roof off.
“In that panicked 10 to 15 minutes, I sheltered in a bedroom, clutching my two terrified, crying daughters,” she said.
Despite the damage, Vidawati said she was thankful that no one in her family was injured. They have since relocated to a temporary relief centre.
Another resident, Fairuz Dzulkifli, 44, said he was asleep at the time of the incident and was awakened by his wife, who alerted him that the roof had been ripped away.
“I suspect this was a tornado. We’ve had storms here before, but nothing like this,” he said.
“More than 20 roofing sheets were torn off in this incident, but thankfully, no lives were lost,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Negeri Sembilan Education Director, Khalidah Omar, confirmed that the dining hall at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Lui Barat’s hostel was also damaged.
She assured that the necessary repairs would be carried out and noted that the damage coincided with the start of the school holidays this Thursday.
“We are in the process of identifying students who may need assistance,” she said. - May 25, 2025
