Storm in Kedah left many without roofs over their heads, literally

ALOR SETAR (June 19): Lost sleep and damaged homes – such a misfortune struck as many as 89 families when a storm broke out over Kedah from late Sunday until the early morning hours yesterday.

According to State Social Welfare Department director Azmi Abd Karim, a total of seven districts were affected, namely Kota Setar, Padang Terap, Langkawi, Pendang, Sik, Kubang Pasu and Kulim.  

In Kota Setar, a visit to Kampung Lemping and Kampung Kubang Siam by Bernama reported that most of the village houses had their roofs blown away.

Siti Nur Zulaika Salleh, 22, of Kampung Kubang Siam, was quoted saying her house roof was carried off by the gale at about 2.30 a.m., waking her and her family from sleep.

“Immediate aid of between RM100 and RM300 was disbursed to some of the victims, including in Langkawi and Padang Terap, to help ease their burden,” Azmi said in a statement reported by The Star. Mats, blankets and sarongs were also handed out.

Kubang Rotan assemblyman Mohd Asmirul Anuar Aris also paid a visit to the victims, and advised them to lodge a police report to facilitate aid disbursement by the relevant departments and agencies.

In his Kubang Rotan constituency itself, he said five houses were wrecked.