LARUT: The roofs of 35 houses in three villages in Sungai Bayur, Selama were blown away due to strong winds and heavy rain on Monday afternoon (April 11).

       The villages affected were Kampung Garok (20), Kampung Damak (13) and Kampung Sungai Berdarah (two).

       The 3pm incident also caused trees to uproot, damage to electricity supply and telecommunication lines, but no casualties were reported.

       A check by Bernama at the area found that some residents were carrying out clean-up works using machinery and chainsaws to cut fallen trees and clear the surrounding area.

       Faridzul Rohaizak Sulaiman, 56, a resident of Kampung Garok, said he only realised the incident while working at home when rain suddenly entered the house after the roof was blown away by strong winds.

       He said the incident caused a loss of more than RM20,000.

       Housewife Roshaniza Sulaiman, 57, said during the incident, she was resting before being startled by a falling fan, and saw the damage to some parts of the roof of her house.

       Mukim Ulu Selama village chief Khairul Azhar Harun said a total of 30 families had lodged a police report as of noon yesterday for insurance protection and welfare assistance from the authorities.

       Selama assemblyman Mohd Akmal Kamarudin said his office handed over food to the victims for breaking of fast following the incident.

       "Today, government agencies, district offices and Baitulmal also went to the location to get more information. We will help as best we can,” he said. - Bernama