Tornado victims away for Christmas

12 April 2012

Sixteen households are unable to spend Christmas in their own homes after they were ripped apart by the tornado which tore through a London suburb.

But residents whose properties are in tatters over the festive season told how the disaster has helped foster a new community spirit.

The tornado tore through Kensal Rise, North London, destroying houses, cars and trees in early December.

Crediton Road, Chamberlayne Road and Whitmore Gardens were the worst hit - but no-one was seriously injured.

Scores of families were initially prevented from returning home permanently and were escorted to their properties to pick up vital belongings.

Houses were sealed off with surveyors deeming them either uninhabitable and unfit to return to or awaiting inspection.

Research analyst Fiona Mulaisho's home suffered internal and external damage, with a wall being ripped off the side of the building.

She was put up in an apartment after the tornado struck and is spending this Christmas with family in North London.

But the 27-year-old insisted: "I am happy and can't complain. The key thing is that nobody died."

The tornado had "fostered a great community spirit", she said. "People are concerned about each other. Everybody's going into each other's houses. It helps that you realise you are dealing with a nice environment."

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