Labuan: A residential area at MPL Housing near Tanjung Aru was struck by a tornado-like storm last night, causing damage to 33 houses and injuring one man.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the injured individual, Wong Kwet Kiong, aged 64, sustained head injuries due to flying debris. The storm, which occurred around 9.40 pm, led to rooftops being ripped off, several vehicles being damaged, and large trees being uprooted in nearby areas.

Labuan Fire and Rescue Department director Abdul Rahman Ali reported that the department received a distress call at 10.12 pm. They dispatched a fire engine with eight personnel to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the area in darkness due to a power outage and roads blocked by debris and fallen objects. The exact number of affected residents could not be determined, as many had already relocated to relatives' homes for temporary shelter.

Firefighters prioritized clearing the roads and removing debris to ensure safety and emergency access. Several vehicles parked near the houses suffered damage from falling debris, and numerous large trees in the vicinity were uprooted by the strong winds.

Azahar Aziz, 36, one of the victims, recounted that he was at home with his family when the storm hit. It began with rain, followed by lightning and strong winds. As the winds intensified, they closed the windows, but shortly after, the roof was blown away, and the house was flooded. They are currently staying with relatives.