Freak storm wreaks havoc in Johor Baru

JOHOR BARU - A freak storm hit the city yesterday afternoon, causing extensive damage to some buildings in the Skudai area.

However, no casualties were reported in the storm, which started about 1.30pm and lasted for almost two hours.

One of the most severely damaged buildings was Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) Pu Sze.

Strong winds caused the roof of the school hall to be blown off and a block of classrooms were badly damaged.

Sports teacher Phang Hai Dong said more than 100 students were in the school hall when the storm struck.

"I managed to get all the students who were undergoing sports training to move to a safer part of the building.

"Except for several students who suffered bruises when they fell while fleeing the storm, there were no other casualties."

Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, who was here yesterday, rushed to the school to check on the students and the damage caused by the storm.

"I will refer the matter to the relevant authorities and find ways to assist the school," he said.

At the nearby Kampung Skudai, about 20 houses were damaged by strong winds.

Resident Teo Chin Poon, 36, whose house was one of those affected, said he and four others were at home when the storm started.

"The weather had been normal before that. It was really scary. Fortunately, no one was hurt although the roof was blown off."

Teo said his family would stay at a relative's house nearby while their home was being repaired.