Batang, Indonesia - A tornado swept through the villages of Candiareng and Sawahjoho in the Kecamatan Warungasem, Kabupaten Batang, on March 23, 2025, at 19:30 WIB, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The natural disaster resulted in significant damage, impacting 60 houses across both villages, with 26 homes reported damaged in Candiareng and 44 in Sawahjoho.
In response to the crisis, Vice Regent of Batang Suyono visited the disaster-stricken areas on March 24, 2025. He expressed his commitment to restoring the affected homes and providing immediate relief to the victims. "Hari ini bergerak cepat langsung menijau lokasi bencana puting beliung bersama TNI dan Polri agar dapat mengembalikan sementara genting atap rumah yang berjatuhan," Suyono stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The local government acted swiftly, offering temporary assistance that included tarpaulins, logistics for emergency response, family kits, mattresses, and blankets. This immediate support aimed to address the critical needs of the families impacted by the tornado.
Among those affected was a resident named Dikun, a 50-year-old man from Sawahjoho. He recounted the harrowing experience as the tornado approached. "Anginnya sangat kencang, tiba-tiba atap rumah saya terangkat dan beterbangan," Dikun recalled, describing how the winds lifted the roof of his house and sent it flying. This terrifying incident occurred just as he was leaving for the mosque, with heavy rains and strong winds preceding the tornado.
Dikun estimated the damage to his property at around Rp14 million. He expressed concern for his family’s safety and the psychological repercussions of such disasters, hoping that no further calamities would disrupt their lives.
As the Batang Regency Government continues its assessment of the damages, officials are focused not only on providing immediate relief but also on planning further support for recovery efforts. Suyono indicated that more substantial aid would be rolled out once the full extent of the losses is documented, allowing the government to address the long-term needs of the victims.
This tornado serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of severe weather events. The community's resilience and the government's quick response will be vital in helping those affected return to normalcy. As cleanup and recovery efforts unfold, the hope remains that such disasters can be mitigated in the future through improved weather monitoring and community preparedness.
The aftermath of this tornado illustrates the necessity of readiness in the face of natural disasters, and the importance of community and government cooperation in ensuring the safety and recovery of those who are affected.
