Roof tiles blown off in freak storm

The Star 18/9/2004 By Dharmender Singh

A freak storm on Wednesday night blew off roof tiles from about 20 houses in Jalan Kasawari 7, Bandar Puchong Jaya, causing damage estimated at thousands of ringgit. 

Resident May Wang said she found the rooms on the upper floors of her home and the hall and kitchen area flooded when she returned from work at about 8pm that night. 

“At first I was surprised to find my home flooded and water leaking from the ceiling on the upper floor. 

“I only realised that part of the roof of my house had been blown off when I was told by other residents who had gathered on the street outside my house,’’ she said. 

Her sister, Quennie Wang, said most of the furniture on the upper floor and the hall area and electrical equipment on the upper floor were damaged due to the water. 

“The water dripping from the roof caused a short circuit and we could not switch on the power on the first floor.  

“My computer, hi-fi set and television set have also been damaged and much of the furniture too,’’ she said. 

She said the developer had informed the residents that the damage was not due to the company’s fault but she hoped that a way could be found to ensure that the incident did not recur.  

Alan Cham, who has been living in the area for the past two years, said a similar incident occurred about a year ago but only a few homes were affected and the damage had not been so extensive. 

He said the Kasawari zone was located on top of a small hill and there was nothing to block the strong winds. 

“Even the five-storey flats behind our homes is on lower ground,” added Cham. 

Housewife Susan Loo said the repairs for the roof alone had cost her RM700 while the damage to the other items in the house had run into the thousands. 

She said the residents were unable to get a proper sleep after the incident as all the beds and mattresses were wet. 

“Many people had to take the day off to clean their houses and arrange for roof repairs,’’ she said.