ALOR SETAR (THE STAR/ANN) - A freak storm uprooted trees and damaged 50 homes, including 20 low-cost flats, in Kota Setar district on Friday (Sept 8).

Cars and motorcycles were also damaged in the 4pm incident.

Ooi Khir Tong, the special officer to the Kedah Mentri Besar, visited the affected area together with Kota Setar district assistant welfare officer Heng Tan Kooi following the storm.

"The 20 units of low-cost flats, located on the top floors of at least six blocks in Taman Setia Jaya, had their roofs blown away by the strong wind. The losses are still being determined," said Ooi.

He said the State Welfare and Public Works Department had been contacted to assist affected homeowners.

Other areas affected by the storm were Kampung Borhan, Taman PKNK, Alor Rela, Taman Idris, Taman Golf and Taman Nuri.

Mohd Hafizula Ridzuan, a resident from Taman Nuri, said the storm had damaged the porch of his house and his motorcycle.