The Puting Belitung Hajar Mamuju, A Trader's Lapak On Manakarra Beach, Was Torn Apart

A tornado hit Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi, at around 21.00 WITA, Thursday 29 December. (Between-Faisal Hanapi)

Puting beliung beat Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi Province (Sulbar). The stall of traders at the Manakarra Beach platform was torn apart.

Strong winds accompanied by heavy rain occurred at around 21.00 WITA, Thursday 29 December. Dozens of stalls on Manakarra Beach scattered, traders decided to stop their activities.

Tents and chairs belonging to traders scattered onto the streets when a tornado arrived suddenly.

"The traders panicked and ran because they were fast, because their place of merchandise was torn apart," said Amrin, one of the traders, was confiscated by Antara.

He said traders chose to stop selling, especially since the visitors also chose to return to their respective homes.

This strong wind in Mamuju City also caused damage to one vehicle unit due to being hit by material.

In addition, a number of houses were damaged due to their roofs being released in the Mamuju City area.

Strong winds also damaged a number of houses in the Tapalang District, Mamuju Regency. "There are three houses damaged by strong winds in the Taan Village area, Tapalang District, which is located on the southern coast of Mamuju City," said Basri, one resident.

Acting Governor of West Sulawesi Akmal Malik asked residents to remain vigilant, because the waters of West Sulawesi are being hit by extreme weather.

He also asked residents to be aware of floods and landslides that could occur during this extreme weather.

"The government will try to help the community in difficulties in dealing with disasters and ask the West Sulawesi Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to move to help people affected by disasters," he said.