Freak storm hits parts of Penang; trees uprooted, fishing boats damaged

BALIK PULAU: Parts of Penang were hit by a freak storm on Wednesday night (Feb 16) with strong winds damaging fishing boats in the state's southwest district and a home in Jalan Pondok Upeh here.

State Environment and Welfare Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said based on reports received from the authorities, 12 boats were damaged during the incident.

In Jalan Pondok Upeh, a house was 80% destroyed with three of its residents escaping with minor injuries.

"The victims have been sent to the hospital.

"Firemen and police at the scene told the victims to temporarily seek shelter at their relatives' home as a precautionary measure," Phee said.

He also said his office, together with the state Welfare Department and Penang Island City Council (MBPP), have been informed to provide assistance to the victims.

A tree next to the house at Mukim 6 of Jalan Pondok Upeh was also uprooted during the incident.

"Based on assessment, the tree could not be chopped down last night as authorities were worried that the house would collapse and endanger the personnel who were carrying out the operation," he said, adding that to date, there was only one case reported in Pondok Upeh.

Phee said he had also received reports that houses and fishing boats were also affected in Pulau Aman.

Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz, in a Facebook post, said he has contacted the head of the fishing units in Sungai Batu and Teluk Kumbar, as well as the Gertak Sanggul Village Community Management Council to evaluate the amount of damages from the incident.

"We will try our best to help lighten their burden.

"The incident has affected fishermen in the areas with some of their boats damaged. Their fishing equipment was also damaged and washed away."

MBPP, on its Facebook page, said it received complaints of uprooted trees in Cangkat Minden Jalan 1 in Gelugor, and advised the public to be careful while outdoors.

"Always keep an eye on your family members when the weather conditions are not favourable," it said.

The council also urged the public to call the MBPP hotline at 04-263 7000 or 04-263 7637 or WhatsApp to 016-200 4082 for any complaints on incidents such as floods, landslides or uprooted trees.