An asbestos warning has been issued for the WA suburb of Withers after a tornado flattened homes, leading to “significant” insurance claims. 

The storm on Friday afternoon damaged more than 100 homes, commercial buildings, an apartment block, the Bunbury regional prison, a sports centre and youth club, and other infrastructure. 

The tornado ripped off roofs, collapsed walls and sucked debris into the sky, and 6700 customers lost power. 

RAC Insurance told insuranceNEWS.com.au it had received 148 claims by Monday afternoon and it expects that number to increase. 

“We are still assessing damage but we expect repair costs will be in the millions of dollars,” a spokeswoman said, adding the high level of property damage makes it a significant event for the insurer. 

The state Department of Fire and Emergency Services says there may be asbestos in the tornado’s impact area and blower vacuums and brooms should not be used by residents. 

Fire service officer Nathan Hall told a community meeting on Monday afternoon there had been “significant loss and damage to property”. Nine properties were classed as total losses, with damage such as a roof missing or structural collapse, while 16 were identified as severely damaged. 

“Those properties generally are identified as uninhabitable,” Mr Hall said.

Local brokers told insuranceNEWS.com.au they have not been contacted by clients, and the affected area is small. 

“The tornado must have been just very localised to that specific spot. If it was three kilometres north we would have been in big trouble,” said one. 

In May 2005, Bunbury was hit by a tornado that caused extensive damage. St Patrick's Cathedral was lifted from its foundations and later demolished, and cars in a sale yard were crushed. 

The Insurance Council of Australia says it is monitoring the situation in Withers. “It is too early to determine the full impact of this weather event, but we will have a better understanding as customers lodge claims in the coming days,” a spokesman said. 

Some affected residents are eligible for $4000 in emergency payments from the state government or up to $2000 to pay for food, clothing and accommodation. Anyone affected by a power outage longer than 12 hours can apply for $120 to replace spoiled food and other items. 

“This severe weather event has had a devastating impact on the Bunbury community and my thoughts are with those who have lost homes and property,” WA Premier Roger Cook said.