"Based on a preliminary report, the storm struck 16 fishermen. Eight of the fishermen were found safe, while the others are still missing," Secretary of the Pariaman Natural Disaster Mitigation Body (BPBD) Kardinal said.
The fishermen left their houses to go fishing at dawn on Tuesday. But their boats were hit by the storm when they reached the Pariaman waters, he said.
Kardinal said the BPBD, along with local residents was still continuing its search for the missing fishermen in the waters and nearby islets where they were believed to have been stranded.
However, the search was hampered by high waves and strong wind, he said.
"The provincial administration has issued a warning that extreme weather will last until January 31. We hope that fishermen will be careful while going fishing," he said.
Among the missing fishermen are David, Ramon, Nia, Apung, and Fadri, all residents of Pauh village in Pariaman.
Because of the storm a tree in Pariaman fell down and struck a house but no injuries or fatalities were reported. (*)
S012/HAJM/H-YH
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
