Residents in Bukit Rambai recount fear and damage as a storm damages 50 homes just before Hari Raya, with state aid being assessed for repairs.

BUKIT RAMBAI: A severe storm has left dozens of families facing a sombre Hari Raya Aidilfitri after damaging about 50 houses in the area yesterday.

The storm struck parts of Bukit Rambai at around 5.30 pm, tearing off roofs and causing structural damage to homes.

Resident Siti Hajar Mohd Noor, 42, returned to find part of the roof of her heritage house blown away. “I was devastated and sad when I returned home and saw that part of the roof of my house had been blown away,” she said.

She added that rainwater entered the house, and she hopes the state government can help with repairs to ease her burden.

Another resident, 75-year-old Noryah Talib, described the storm as a frightening experience. “I ran into the house and cried in fear,” said Noryah, who suffers from a weak heart.

She is currently staying with her son nearby while awaiting repairs to her damaged roof.

Factory worker Mohmood Sasri Mahmood, 29, said the storm blew the roof off his living room and caused flooding. He expressed gratitude that his mother, who lives with him, was not injured.

Kelebang state assemblyman Datuk Lim Ban Hong confirmed the extensive damage to homes and a childcare centre. He said two cars were also damaged by fallen trees.

Personnel from the Melaka Tengah District and Land Office are now assessing the damage to distribute disaster relief funds promptly. “This assistance won’t fully cover the repairs of the affected houses, just part of the cost to ease their burden ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri,” Lim stated.

He also thanked the Fire and Rescue Department, the Melaka Historic City Council and the Civil Defence Force for their assistance in the aftermath of the storm.

 The Sun Malaysia