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Whirlwinds wreak havoc in regions amid extreme weather warnings
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warned in a statement on Thursday that most parts of the archipelago were forecast to experience heavy rain with strong winds until Feb. 13, due to the influence of Tropical Cyclone Taliah in the Indian Ocean to the south, as well as a tropical depression identified as 95W in the western Pacific Ocean.
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Workers repair the roof of a house that collapsed after being hit by a whirlwind in Ciamis regency, West Java, on Feb. 6, 2025. According to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the Taliah tropical cyclone to the south of Java Island is triggering extreme weather events of heavy rain and strong winds in most parts of West Java. (Antara/Adeng Bustomi)
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undreds of homes in Bekasi regency, West Java, and other regions across the country were damaged by whirlwinds, as the national weather agency warned people of potential extreme weather and climate conditions until next week that could trigger disasters.
In the early hours of Thursday, a whirlwind damaged hundreds of homes in South Tambung and Cibitung districts in Bekasi regency. The disaster occurred at around 3:45 a.m., causing panic among residents.
A total of 379 homes were damaged as the tornado swept through the area, according to reports from local officials, with 426 people affected and forced to take shelter. The West Java Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) worked with its counterpart in the regency to disburse humanitarian aid to affected residents.
In Cibitung, the tornado struck houses in Selang Cau and the Permata Regency housing complex in Wanasari village, damaging a total of 27 homes. Meanwhile, in South Tambun, 352 houses were damaged in Sumber Jaya village and the Wali Barokah housing complex.
Buek neighborhood unit (RT) was the hardest-hit area, with at least 47 homes sustaining damage. The destruction varied, with house canopies blown up to 30 meters away, roofs completely torn off and walls collapsing.
Read also: Whirlwind damages hundreds of homes in Bekasi regency
One of the hardest-hit homes was severely damaged when a teak tree crashed through its roof. Homeowner Yayah Halifiyah said she heard nothing before the tree fell. At the time, she was resting in the bedroom. She was grateful that the damage was confined to her living room and she was unharmed.
