90 residents in Semporna shaken by storm, tornado

SEMPORNA: More than 90 residents who live in 16 houses in Kampung Simunul Icebox water village, here, faced anxious moments when a storm and tornado slammed their houses, at Wednesday midnight.

Sadad Maruji, 46, who was met, said initially there were strong winds, heavy rain and lightning, but it was followed by a tornado at midnight.

“My family and I were asleep, but I woke up and the house was shaking. After an hour or so, there was a storm and a tornado for a minute, which blew the roof and walls of our house.

“A tornado had occurred in 2000 and 2016 but it was not as bad as last night because many houses were damaged as the tornado turned back from the sea and swirled about the top of the houses,” he said.

For Abdul Rashid Sebly, 62, he thought he was dreaming when he was woken up by a loud noise as if a bomb had exploded.

Another victim, Sazal Nihalan, 46, hoped the incident that happened to the villagers would get attention and assistance in terms of repairing the house as well as household needs like basic food.

Meanwhile, Semporna Fishermen’s Association Chairman Salleh Abdul Salleh said 14 of the 16 houses hit by the tornado belonged to fishermen.

Salleh also hoped the elected representatives and related agencies would come forward immediately to provide assistance to the affected residents.