Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NT (ANTARA) - A whirlwind that hit Hadakewa Village, Lebatukan Sub-district, Lembata District, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province, wreaked havoc on at least nine houses in the vicinity, a local official stated.

"In addition to the nine houses, public facilities, such as the local administration's hall and a futsal field, were also damaged by the strong wind," Hadakewa Village Chief Klemens Kwaman remarked on Monday.

The whirlwind hit the village on Sunday (Jan 5) at around 6 a.m. local time.

The strong wind began blowing after torrential rains began pelting the village.

"The wind blew very fast and was strong, thereby uprooting trees and leveling houses to the ground. Several roofs were ripped off, while some others were partially damaged," he stated.

No lives were lost in the natural disaster though several homes and public facilities suffered damage.

Residents, whose houses were severely damaged, temporarily sought refuge at their relatives' homes.

The village administration, with assistance of several local residents and military as well as police officers, cleared the debris of damaged buildings.

In the meantime, the local district government reportedly prepared assistance for the victims of the disaster.

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Translator: Aloysius Lewokeda, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
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