Whirlwinds hit tens of houses in Makassar

Tens of houses in Biringkanaiya sub district, Makassar, South Sulawesi province, were seriously damaged by a whirlwind early Saturday.

Some of the residents whose houses were hit by the whirlwind, evacuated themselves to the homes of relatives or emergency tents set up for them, Makassar Mayor Ilham Arif Siradjuddin said here on Saturday.

The mayor presented relief aid consisting of rice, drinking water and instant noodles to the victims when he visited the refugee camp.

Biringkanaiya sub district head M Yamin said of the 65 houses hit by the whirlwind 43 were considerably damaged.

In late December 2007, a total of 127 houses were devastated by whirlwinds in Tallo subdistrict, and 39 others in Mario subdistrict, Makassar.

Meanwhilde, Pangkep District Head Syafruddin reported that about 137 houses in Labakkang, Sigeri and Mandalle sub districts, were affected by whirlwinds. Two residents were wounded as they were hit by debris from their own houses.

A number of houses were also damaged in Sidrap, Papepare and Bulukumba due to strong winds.