Jakarta – Hundreds of homes in South Tambun and Cibitung districts in Bekasi regency, West Java, were damaged by a whirlwind in the early hours of Thursday.
The disaster occurred around 3:45 a.m., causing panic among residents. A total of 379 homes were damaged as the tornado swept through the area.
In Cibitung, the tornado struck houses in Selang Cau hamlet and Permata Regency housing complex in Wanasari village, damaging a total of 27 homes.
Meanwhile, in South Tambun, the disaster destroyed 352 houses in Sumber Jaya village's Buek hamlet and Wali Barokah housing complex.
Neighborhood unit (RT) 004 of community unit (RW) 28 of Buek hamlet was the hardest-hit area, with at least 47 homes sustaining damage. The destruction varied, with house canopies blown up to 30 meters away, roofs completely torn off and walls collapsing.
One of the hardest-hit homes was severely damaged when a fallen teak tree crushed part of its roof and supports, causing them to collapse.
Homeowner Yayah Halifiyah said she did not hear any sound when the tree fell. At the time, she was resting in the bedroom. She was grateful that the damage was confined to her living room and didn't hit her.
"The number of damaged houses is 47, while the number of affected residents is twice that," RT 004/RW 28 head, Boan said, as quoted by kompas.com.
Boan recounted that the disaster began with heavy rain over Sumber Jaya village. Shortly after, strong winds suddenly struck the residential areas.
Upon looking outside, he saw residents gathered in one spot, hysterical and panicked, as they recited the adhan.
Bekasi Regency Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) officers and village authorities are still assessing the damage to determine what help the residents need. While no fatalities were reported, two people sustained injuries.
"This data is still tentative for now," acting Sumber Jaya village chief Sumardi said.