PORT KLANG: A severe thunderstorm and strong wind wreaked havoc in Pandamaran, damaging some 30 houses and apartment blocks.
The 2pm incident, which was described by residents as a small tornado also tore off the roof of six PKNS apartment blocks in Pandamaran Jaya, uprooted trees and damaged several cars.
Klang Municipal Council (MPK) councillor Lee Fu Hae said in less than 30 minutes, several areas especially in Jalan Banting and Jalan Besar Pandamaran suffered severe damages because of the mini tornado which also felled many trees.
Klang Selatan district police chief ACP Kamarulzaman Mamat said based on a survey conducted, many trees were uprooted, roofs of premises torn off and several boats at a jetty near Kunci Air Jalan Banting, Pandamaran sunk in the thunderstorm which also caused flood in several areas in Klang including Meru and Kampung Delek.
"Among premises damaged include a gas cylinder warehouse, Aji San temple, PKNS flat and Pandamaran Permai flat.
"He thunderstorm has resulted in a power outage and Tenaga Nasional Berhad has been notified.
"Three police reports have been lodged but so far there are no injuries nor death reported," he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Meteorological Department (Weather and Climate) deputy director- general Alui Bahari when contacted said the phenomenon was not a tornado because there was no structure visible.
"It is strong wind caused by severe thunderstorm," he said.
The department, in a statement said the formation of high intensity cloud started at about 2pm and ended at 3.10pm and the department issued a thunderstorm and heavy rain warning at 1.53pm.
This was caused by high air humidity, low level wind convergence and atmosphere instability which acted as a catalyst to the formation of big scale thunderstorm cloud.
Those who want the latest weather update can contact the Meteorology Department hotline at 1-300-22-1638 or visit the website at www.met.gov.my and MetMalaysia social media page.