KUBANG PASU: Some 10 houses in Kampung Pida 2 in Manggol Bonggor were destroyed by a landspout today, which was caused by intense rainfall and strong winds.
The meteorological phenomenon occurred at approximately 3.45pm and lasted over 10 minutes.
Lorry workshop owner Marwan Kassim, 40, captured the harrowing event on video as the landspout destroyed one house after another during its rampage.
Marwan was left distraught when the mini-tornado also ravaged his workshop near the village.
He estimated his losses at about RM40,000, as his workshop's roof, lorry parts, and three canopy tents were destroyed.
"All the items inside the workshop were reduced to rubble, including refrigerators, washing machines, and a pickup truck," he said when contacted.
Marwan said his house was spared but about 10 other houses suffered significant damage as rooftops were ripped away.
"I'm relieved that my house was not hit and that no one was injured, but witnessing the phenomenon with my own eyes was a terrifying and surreal experience," he added.
Kubang Pasu Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) officer Mohd Adenin Suhaimi confirmed that the landspout affected an area with a radius of approximately 2km.
"Monitoring operations and assistance to clear up wreckage in the affected area are currently underway," he said in a statement.
Adenin assured that the situation was under control as weather conditions had improved.
"We are currently collecting information about the incident and details of those affected. We have also advised the victims to report property damage to the police," he added.
Meanwhile, state Malaysia Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director Khalil Abd Aziz explained that the weather patterns occurring during the Monsoon Transition Period brewed up the storm and landspout.
He said such a phenomenon could happen again within the Monsoon Transition Period which persisted between September and November.
"It is likely that this occurred due to the weather patterns during the inter-monsoon period, characterised by clear skies in the morning, thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds in the afternoon and evening.
"We may also witness occurrences of waterspouts, landspouts, or hail," he added.