08/12/2006

Tornado wrecked homes to be demolished

Several houses in the area of north-west London hit by a tornado yesterday (Thursday) will have to be demolished.

Yet more properties have had to be cordoned off as they are too dangerous to enter with safety.

Insurance assessors are still examining the scene in the Kensal Rise area where the tornado damaged over 150 homes in the mainly residential area.

Six people were injured, and one person who received treatment for a head injury was later released from hospital.

The most severely damaged properties will have to be demolished and others will require extensive remedial work to shore up damaged walls and roofs.

Six roads were sealed off as debris was sent flying, trees uprooted and the gable wall of one house collapsed due to the force of the wind.

Initial estimates place the damage at several million pounds.

In all, 24 homes were assessed as uninhabitable following the tornado strike and eight families had to spend the night in temporary accommodation, while others stayed with family or friends.

A respite centre has been established at Legion Hall on the Albert Road.

(SP/KMcA)

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