Dozens Of Houses Damaged, 3 People Injured By A Tornado In Jember

Residents' houses were damaged by a tornado in Sukamakmur Village, Jember Regency, Monday (27/2/2023) afternoon. (ANTARA/HO-Kodim 0824 Jember)

JEMBER - The Jember Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) noted that three people were injured and dozens of houses were damaged due to the tornado that occurred in Sukamakmur Village, Jember Regency, East Java.

"After receiving information regarding the tornado, we immediately went to the field with Muspika in Langsatan Hamlet, Sukamakmur Village, Ajung District," said Jember BPBD Head Sigit Akbari in Ajung District, Jember, reported by ANTARA, Monday, February 27.

Based on data from the Jember BPBD, three injured residents namely Siti Fatimah (35) suffered head injuries, Fatimah (80) had head injuries due to being hit by a tile, and Imam Fadoli (46) suffered head injuries and a broken hand due to a fall while repairing the roof of his house, when a tornado hit Sukamakmur Village.

"A total of 91 houses affected by the tornado suffered minor, moderate, and severe damage," he said.

Apart from dozens of houses, he continued, several public facilities such as mosques and prayer rooms, as well as chicken farms were affected by the tornado in Langsatan Hamlet. In addition, dozens of trees fell on houses and other buildings.

The most severe damage befell the Baitul Muttaqin Mosque because the water reservoir behind the mosque was thrown forward and the roof of the ablution area also flew.

"The joint team is still carrying out treatment at the location affected by the tornado, then the residents have repaired their houses, and the injured victims have been taken to the local health center," he said.

Meanwhile, the Dandim 0824/Jember Lt. Col. Inf Rahmat Cahyo Dinarso confirmed by telephone that his staff, together with Muspika and BPBD, had taken emergency response steps because members of the TNI had to be present immediately when a community was hit by such a disaster.

"I have ordered the Commander of the Ajung Koramil to carry out TNI service in villages affected by the tornado, by helping repair houses that were lightly damaged and clearing the rubble," he said.