LABUAN, May 13 — A residential area at MPL Housing near Tanjung Aru here was hit by a tornado-like storm last night, damaging 33 houses and leaving one man injured.

The victim, identified as Wong Kwet Kiong, 64, suffered head injuries after being hit by flying debris.

The incident, which occurred at about 9.40 pm, saw strong winds ripping off rooftops, damaging several vehicles and uprooting large trees in nearby areas.

Labuan Fire and Rescue Department director Abdul Rahman Ali said the department received a distress call at 10.12 pm before dispatching a fire engine with eight personnel to the scene.

“When we arrived, the housing area was in darkness following a power supply disruption. Several roads were blocked by scattered debris and fallen objects.

“We were unable to determine the actual number of affected residents as many of them had already moved to their relatives’ homes for temporary shelter,” he told Bernama when contacted today.

He added that firemen focused on clearing the roads and removing debris to ensure the area was safe for residents and emergency access.

“Several vehicles parked near the affected houses were also damaged after being hit by falling debris, while a number of large trees in the vicinity were uprooted by strong winds,” he said,

One of the victims, Azahar Aziz, 36, said he was at home with his parents and siblings when the incident occurred.

“It started with rain, followed by lightning and strong wind. When we noticed the winds getting stronger, we quickly closed the windows.

“Not long after that, the roof was blown away and the house was flooded. We are now staying at a relative’s house,” he said. — Bernama