Twitter handle @InfoBekasi uploaded footage of the whirlwind recorded by residents at Pondok Ungu Permai residential complex in North Bekasi district, Bekasi municipality. The footage shows the puting beliung destroying several food stalls.

Angin puting beliung terjadi di wilayah Bekasi Utara. PUP Sektor 5, Kaliabang, dan sekitarnya pic.twitter.com/RHp0s0YYHb

— INFO BEKASI (@InfoBekasi) October 23, 2020

According to the Bekasi Municipality Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), the whirlwind occurred at 1:10 p.m. local time.

BPBD official Karsono said at least 123 houses had been damaged in Central Kaliabang subdistrict in North Bekasi.

“Ten houses are heavily damaged, while the rest sustained minor to moderate damage,” he said on Friday, as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com.

Read also: BNPB warns of heavy rain and strong winds

Karsono added that the whirlwind had cut off power and telecommunication networks in the district.

Rescuers responded to the situation by setting up shelter for residents whose houses were heavily damaged.

Meanwhile, the small tornado struck Babelan Kota village and Bahagia subdistrict in Babelan district, Bekasi regency. Budi Sutrisno of the Bekasi Regency BPBD said dozens of houses were damaged in the two regions.

He went on to say that at least 63 houses and one restaurant suffered damage from the incident on Friday. (aly)