Medan, N Sumatra (ANTARA News) - Tens of houses and public facilities were damaged when a whirlwind hit Klumpang village, Hamparan Perak sub district, Deliserdang District, North Sumatra Province, on Friday evening.

At least 35 houses were damaged and eight of them were almost destroyed by the whirlwind which occurred during heavy rain, Ismanto, a Klumpang resident, said here Saturday.

The strong wind also damaged a small mosque, an elementary school building and a rural health post.

A number of villagers were forced to evacuate to safer places.

Earlier on the same day, a whirlwind also struck Binjai and Selesai sub districts, Langkat District, North Sumatra Province, and damaged 10 houses.

"Ten houses were damaged by the whirlwind," TM Auzai, head of the Langkat social affairs office, said here Saturday.

Six of the houses were seriously damaged. Relief aid consisting of among other things rice, instant noodles, sugar, coffee and school uniforms, have been distributed to the victims.

Several trees were also uprooted by the strong wind which occurred during heavy rains.

(SYS/F001)

Editor: Suryanto
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