GEORGE TOWN: A total of seven trees in Penang fell within two hours on Wednesday (Oct 22) morning due to heavy rain.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department operations assistant director John Sagun Francis said the incidents occurred between 6am and 8am, obstructing traffic at several locations.
“The Operations Centre received seven calls on trees blocking roads and traffic, with some hitting electrical cables,” he said.
“The incidents occurred at seven locations, six on the island and one on the mainland,” he added.
The locations were along Jalan Paya Terubong, four spots in Bayan Lepas including Jalan Bukit Lama and Jalan Tun Sardon, Jalan Sungai Nipah, Kampung Permatang Tengah in Balik Pulau, and Jalan Padang Benggali, Teluk Air Tawar in Butterworth.
He said Fire and Rescue teams attended all sites to cut and remove trees obstructing traffic.
“We carried out cleanup work to ensure there were no hazards to the public,” he said.
“This was caused by heavy rain and strong winds on Wednesday morning,” he added.
“Traffic flow was interrupted, but no casualties were reported,” he said.
He said the situation is now safe and under control.
The weather report on Wednesday indicated thunderstorms and heavy rain in several states including Penang.
Locations affected this morning included Jalan Perak, Paya Terubong, Bayan Baru, Balik Pulau and Butterworth.
Penang is bracing for the La Niña phenomenon expected nationwide until December.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state disaster management committee has all technical and rescue teams on standby.
He said they are ready to face any eventualities.
The Meteorological Department said the country is now in the intermonsoon period.
“During this period, Penang is expected to receive 60mm to 430mm of rainfall a month,” he said.
He said there will be eight to 21 rainy days a month and added that this weather may cause flash floods, fallen trees and structural damage.
